Folks' Poems: David Williams Cowboy Poetry at the BAR-D Ranch www.CowboyPoetry.com

The experienced hand is the one riding point

Cause he knows the lay of the land

He knows where to turn, where to hold up for water

Keeping out those with the wrong brand

He's there pointing the herd in the right direction

Keeps 'em moving down the good trail

He don't stray right or left cause that could spell danger

And his job, aw that he would fail

He watches his pace to match the herd that's behind

Cause the leaders, they'll match his speed

If he's moving too slow then the herd bunches up

So he gives a kick to his steed

But if he rides out to fast, the leaders match that

Now the herd's getting left behind

Drag might not can push 'em cause the babies is small

And that's putting them in a bind

Being out there on point can be lonely sometimes

Like pushing through a deep canyon

All the rest fell to drag cause there's no need for flank

Now there's just cows for companion

He might hear the hollers of his pards back behind

As up through them walls they rattle

He might wish he was back there and sharing the jokes

'Stead leading these bawling cattle

So his mind starts to wondering 'bout things he's been taught

He forgets 'bout the sweat and grime

He thinks of another that's been riding on point

How He's been there, for all of time

Though I might not see, He's leading me on the trail

He's watching the herd and His speed

Aw He keeps a good pace, not too slow or too fast

And He knows each one of our need

Cause there's babies and weak ones all strung through the herd

He ain't gonna leave one behind

Each one is important and real precious to Him

So He watches the trail unwind

He watches and protects me from mixing of brands

Cause He knows how easy I'll stray

Not that I want to but sometimes I get ornery

And that is when I'm easy prey

So I thank you Lord for being up there on point

And leading me all of the way

It don't matter what happens, You never complain

As You sit that saddle each day