Bullriding’s Coming

 Just after the chill of winter sets in,

with grey skies and potholes unending;

while rains drizzle days, freezing into glaze,

men and children are ‘prisoned familiarity.

We venture outside, fighting only a while,

to bring firewood, or for feeding stock.

Days are so shortened, and tempers proportioned

cause energies bind in confinement.

But, what was that sign at the turn of the curve?

Did it say, could it say, BULLRIDING?

I’ve seen it on TV with my cousin Stevie,

and it’s funner than wrestling, and coming!

The promoter knows, cause he’s on his toes,

that this town is bored and prepped ready

to raise up some redneck and pay for enjoyment.

Goosed kids can let loose. Where’s our hats?

Now, I learned before, that Mothers adore

A reprieve from stale supper dishes.

Once BULLRIDING came on Valentine’s Day:

The civic arena Sold Out!

So I spend my savings on a weekend’s depravings.

We all get the clowns’ autographs.

Pictures of babies on spring bulls, and ladies

on top of stuffed Brahma, arm high.

Hot dogs like crazy, chips with cheese gravy,

a beer, and a night with the wife…

What could be better than petting “Ole Yeller”?

BULLRIDING on Saturday nights!

C Taylor, Jr
02/20/2004

(Copyright applied for as part of a collection, hopefully coming soon to your bookstore!)