Grew up a country bumpkin,
known the freedom that entails.
Worked hard to make a livin’,
walked down some dusty trails.
Ma and Pa was rough on me,
said it was for my good,
but I lit out real early
just to prove to them I could.



Did some drinkin’ in my early days
and had a wife or two,
but now I just got my ol’ horse
and an ornery dog named Blue.
I’ve lived the life I wanted
and done most ever’ thing,
have few regrets or heartaches
so I really cain’t complain.

The sky’s my roof above me
and a camp fire keeps me warm.
My bed is straw and saddlebags
and my bath, a country storm.
Drink water from the rivers clear,
that fill from creek and stream.
Eat jerky, hard tack biscuits,
and drink coffee without cream.

Ain’t no call for cussin’
‘Cause no ones ‘round to hear.
My temper done got simmered
and replaced with dad-blame fear.
My hair is gettin’ gray now,
bones creak more ever’ day,
but I can still punch cattle,
brand them doggies, and buck hay.

If I should die tomorrow
I’ll be glad to meet that train,
for God’s seen fit in all His grace
to let me have the reins.
I’ll ride them clouds in heaven
and sleep in if I please.
I’ll praise my God before me
as I get down on my knees.
All my troubles will be over
won’t even mind the rain,
‘cause God’ll keep me sheltered
from all this earthly pain.



So, let me never be forgettin’
how grand a life I’ve had,
‘cause I’ve loved ever’ minute,
and it sure ain’t been that bad!

Poetry by Tamara Hillman Copyright 2001
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