Did you ever see a cowboy
With his hat off in the sun?
Reflections off his forehead
Could make wild horses run.

Its alabaster flashin's
Could put antelope to flight
Or stun a rock guitarist
With the brilliance of its light.

If you could get a candle
To shine on him just right,
A cowboy'd make a lighthouse
For the blackest stormy night.

But this is pure quill guesswork,
When all is said and done,
'Cause you won't see no real cowboy
With his hat off in the sun.


From Men of the Open Range (Buglin’ Bull Press, 1993).
Used here with permission.