SHELBY BOREK
For Better or For Worse
It’s running your heart out, it’s kicking his sides
It’s winning the round, your heart full of pride
It’s grabbing the horn and sitting up tight
Two barrels on the left and one on the right
It’s getting up early and driving all day
To run a few seconds, hoping it’ll pay
It’s the sound of your name when you’re on deck
Praying to God, your heart pounding like heck
It’s running in front of a hometown crowd
Hooking the third and they scream out loud
It’s riding all week with one run in mind
That maybe at the rodeo, you’ll be the fast time
It’s kissing your cross and patting your horse
Because it’s what you love, for better or worse
© 2011, Shelby Borek
This poem may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
Rodeo Dad
You’re a rodeo dad now, not by choice
But I know you enjoy it, it’s in your voice
It’s in your walk as we go to sign up
Even when money’s tight and times are tough
You’re something I need every time I run
Without your help and laughs, it wouldn’t be fun
A rodeo dad is many things
From driving at night to buying tack that blings
It’s that one last tug on my cinch
Or calling for advice when I’m in a pinch
It’s going to the barn every single day
And going to rodeos even when it doesn’t pay
It’s “that first was wide” and “that ground was deep”
It’s “is your saddle tight?” “did you pick his feet?”
It’s feed bills and farriers and vets all the time
It’s hard work and love, it’s yours and mine
It’s going places you’ve never been
It’s talking to strangers and making new friends
It’s late Friday nights and Sunday cowboy church
It’s not what you signed up for, it can be a curse
It’s “I love it” “I hate it” and sometimes in between
But we’re in it together is what it means
It’s bonding and loving like we never could
The good times and bad, trade it I never would
This is for you Dad, I love you a lot
Aren’t you glad this gift wasn’t bought© 2011, Shelby Borek
This poem may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
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