Mustang

The Mustang

Seal brown and stomping, I remember you there
Snorting and nickering to the chestnut mare.
I'm eat up with pride to have known you well
Though I admit my life with you was hell.
A good horse you might have been:
A looker for sure, well muscled and lean,
But hateful as all of the Three Bars line.
I would have cut you if the choice had been mine.

But cut you they didn't and left it to me
To settle you down to as gentle could be.
Not likely, son, you never did settle.
You showed us all your mustang mettle.
You remember the time I swung on your back?
You pitched straight up with me in your rack
Twisting in knots, you turned belly to sky
Holy shit! I thought I would die.

But I didn't die though I wished I was dead.
I broke every rib and spent weeks in bed!
And when I was up and finally walkin' again
I swear you were laughin' at my wincin' in pain.
We shared an apple after that, every day.
Me? I took to ridin' the bay.
She had a sweeter seat and a loving will,
She had no aims for my blood to spill.

So, Big Boy, here's an apple for me and you.
Don't worry, I need to mash it now too.
Out to pasture for you and, I guess me as well.
The kids want me with them, or so they do tell.
But I'll come back, don't you worry none.
I love you too much, you ol' son of a gun.
Until then, partner, Happy Trails to you
And I hope we meet in that yonder blue.