When we lived in Texas, I actually got to know a few cowboys. They don’t equivocate, in fact I don’t think most of them know what it means: which is why you don’t see a lot of cowboys in Congress.

They seemed to me to be men of few words and lots of common sense. Their words of wisdom were things like “don’t squat with your spurs on” and “timing has a lot to do with the success of a rain dance”.

It struck me, however, that they had a lot to offer when compared to our current list of celebrities and idols.

I wrote “Heroes” (Daydreams,2004), one day when I was particularly discouraged over our choice of role models in our society.

Bring back Roy Rogers, Hopalong Cassidy and Gene Autry.

Glenn K. Currie

 

Heroes

 

When did cowboys stop righting wrongs,

Doing good deeds and singing songs?

Did it exist that simpler time,

When hearts were pure and people kind?

 

We take such joy in crushing dreams,

In making things not what they seem,

Why can’t we let children pursue,

The innocence that we once knew?

 

Rules to live by have changed a lot,

Since Arthur lived in Camelot.

Knights don’t quest for the Holy Grail,

People try to make others fail.

 

It’s strange to me what’s on TV,

Everyone’s watching tragedy.

Shows with hope are considered lame,

Crime and sex the names of the game.

 

Our heroes now convey their views,

Appearing on the evening news.

Guys taking drugs, fresh from divorce,

Setting our children’s future course.

 

Have we really come out ahead,

Worshipping rappers, eyes so dead?

Perhaps cowboys doing good deeds,

Is still something the country needs.