Cowboys Playing Cards

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Bryce Angell – The outdoors has always been a large part of my life. My father was an outfitter and guide for 35 years and I was there to shoe and care for the horses and help him do the cooking. We took many great trips into the Yellowstone area. Even now that I’m older, we still ride into the Tetons, Yellowstone and surrounding areas. My poems are mostly of personal experience. I am now retired and enjoying life to the fullest. I plan to do more riding and writing.

We gobbled down our bread and gravy, ready for the game. One cowboy’d hit the covers. ‘Twas a doggone dirty shame.
We sat around the table. Every eye was glued on me. The table top was dimly lit, too dark for me to see.
So, I cranked up my old lantern. I saw hope in every eye. I dealt each player from the deck. One scowled, “The stakes are high!”
A cowboy hollered, “Before we start, bartender pour a round.” The bar-tend gave a nasty look but didn’t make a sound.
But then she walked on over and she poured the drinks with ease. She thumped the cowboy on the hat, said, “Next time make it please.”
The cowboy kinda grinned cuz he was barely nine years old. His mother weren’t no bartender, just caring for her fold.
My daughter poured ‘em chocolate milk, then gave a look at me. “Make sure they get to bed on time and see that they go pee.”
She gave each one a kiss goodbye, then slipped on out the door. I knew she’d rather be at home. I’d seen that look before.
Then one of them spoke up, said, “Grandpa, teach us how to win.” His hat was sitting down so low I could barely see his chin.
So, we started out with Crazy 8, then Slap Jack and Go Fish. Not one game did I win a hand. My losing was their wish.
Playing cards with my grandkids is where I want to be. Especially when we’re acting like we’re cowboys living free.
And one thing is for doggone sure. They’d be my favorite crowd. No matter if they’re hard at cards or even when they’re loud.
For now, we’ll think we’re cowboys and for sure the best of pards. And I pray they’ll always cherish time with Grandpa playing cards.

– Bryce Angell