The other day I pondered, was it time to buy a hat? A hat to fit my budget.
Were there miracles like that?
The brand-new store in town was advertising cowboy hats for sale.
I figured now or never ‘fore I wised up and turned tail.
There were 10X hats on every wall. The straw hats hung below.
I was looking for a good felt hat to brag on and for show.
I pointed to a Stetson and it had the name of Gus.
The attendant rolled his eyes at me. The doggone dirty cuss!
He said, “You sure you want this hat? It’s got a hefty price.”
I asked how much. He said, “Three hundred!” Didn’t have to tell me twice!
The clerk in all his smirking said, “Your hat’s a sad sad story.”
But I needn’t call him dirty cuss, more arrogant in glory.
This hat of mine was given to me some fifty years to date.
A 10X Stetson from my folks, in hopes I’d graduate.
My hat ain’t got a fancy shape like Yellowstone or Gus.
Not every hat is Hollywood. So pardner what’s the fuss?
This hat has kept my head warm from the frigid winter days.
And blocks out all the sunburn from the sunshine’s hottest rays.
I remember when Jake tossed me high. I slammed hard to the ground.
But my hat never moved and there is no disgrace for a lid that keeps your head sound.
Now the top of my head ain’t seen a hair’s thread since forty-odd years passed me by. But my hat don’t complain. It stays just the same,
slightly cocked there above my right eye.
To my daughter’s despair, I wore my hat to see my grandson born.
Yet I did take it off when Grandma passed, hat in hand we all did mourn.
I’m wearing my old hat again. How long will it be around?
Each morning it’s still on the hook. I know where it can be found.
I’ll dust the dirt and grime off from my Stetson cowboy hat.
And treat it much more kindly than a plain old head hat rack.
It’s more than just a hat. My Stetson’s full of history.
It don’t matter ‘bout its looks, my hat is good enough for me.
So with luck for years I’ll keep this hat. It’s a classic at this place.
‘Cuz it fits down snug, guarding my mug. Yes, I think it adds grit to my face.
– Bryce Angell
