I always feel privileged when John submits a new poem to my site. This time was no exception. I like this new poem I received the other day. - poetheart 09/05/03
A bronc got my shoulder-
When he fell in the chute,
Back in nineteen and seventy-three.
My left ankle went-
From a pair of new boots,
When my foot caught, and didn't pull free.
Two dozen broke ribs-
I picked up on the way-
A broke neck in old San Antone...
The pains are my scrapbook,
From years on the road,
I marvel how soon they have gone.
The pain takes me back,
Down a long winding track,
With a mem'ry for each twinge I feel.
To tell you the truth, though...
There's one place I won't go...
And one wound the years cannot heal.
Some long ago voices,
And mighty bad choices,
I've made, and mistakes, not a few-
There's one change I would make,
To spare me some heartache-
I'd quit rodeoing for you.
I made my decision-
With too little forethought.
That night that we said our goodbyes...
I loaded my riggin'
And went down the road,
And left you with tears in your eyes.
They tell me you're married,
And raising three children.
I can't change the way that I feel...
You'll always be special-
And this much I know,
You're the one wound that time cannot heal.
by John R. Yaws