Ode To A Wild West Troubadour Poem by Mark Bratlie

Louie and me across the plains
standing tall and riding free
Heading West to the untamed land
true to ourselves and taking a stand

His words paint scenes of a beckoning place
and allow me to enter in
Where adventure awaits around the bend
and fortune is always there to win

Over seas of midwest prairie
with herds of teeming buffalo
To granite peaks that leave me breathless
and scorching deserts that lay me low

Where loyal horse will make the difference
giving all up to the end
Whether mustang, dun, or crowbait
Western steed is man's best friend

I live the lives of characters
who are always bonafide
Of mountain men and cowboys
Along with Natives' pride

With Louie as my cowboy pard
vivid fantasy takes flight
Across the wide open prairie
into dangers of the night

Where one's word is standard contract
and steadfast honor rules the day
Where courage stands with virtue
and for cowardice one will pay

Armed with ever present six-guns
and rifles close to hand
We take on marauding outlaws
and together make a stand

Troubadour and master writer
I wish to thank you for the ride
And I suspect you may be writing still
when I reach the other side