The Adventures of HayRake Slim and Shorty

The Runaway

There's different types of horses
Of which LT was one
Some when frightened tend to buck
But LT liked to run

The bit you slid between his gums
No alteration made
Fatigue alone would slow his plunge
When he became afraid

Through fences, fields, and roads he'd run
His eyes glazed over blind
The terror close in hot pursuit
If only in his mind

But once he'd run a booger out
It ne'er phased him again
So on he worked day in; day out
For Shorty and HayRake Slim

One day Slim to Shorty said
"We've got some time to kill.
Let's teach that LT horse to drag
I kinda think he will."

Shorty doubtfully agreed
And to the barn they trod
They threw a saddle on their steed
Slim's will was iron-shod

He climbed aboard; shook down his rope
Then handed down one end
"Tie this to that feed trough, pard'
And let the fun begin!"

They started in an easy walk
But when the rope came tight
The jerking rattle, bump, and bang
Sent LT into flight

"Don't worry, Shorty!" HayRake cried
"He'll stop out at the gate!"
But not a pause did LT take
He just continued straight

"The cattle guard will stop him sure!"
But this was not the case
The jump old LT cleared it with
Would win a steeplechase

They crashed and clattered on beyond
Out into the road
Cars were blowin' on their horns
As for the ditch they dove

Now HayRake hadn't tied on hard
But dallies taken 'round
So in a storm he could let go
And drop his rope on down

But when he tried to turn a'loose
A half-hitch he bespied
Had tightened like a hangman's noose
And fast he now was tied

So in he settled for the race
He screw his hat way down
And as the wind rushed by his face
He saw the edge of town

It came up fast with all their speed
The townsfolk got a treat
When cowpoke, trough, and mighty steed
Careened right down Main Street

That feed trough crashed and banged along
The women screamed and ran
The men and boys all cheered aloud
When Slim waved - hat in hand

Sparks shot off the pavement
The lathered foam did fly
And HayRake with a shrug did think
"He'll either stop or die."

But finally at the edge of town
Down to a halt they slowed
Slim stepped off and let out cinch
So old LT could blow

LT stood there and quivered
And HayRake kinda sighed
A gleam of satisfaction
Shining in his eyes

A crowd began to gather
Ol' HayRake flashed a grin
"I thank you folks for all yer help." He said
"This sure was good for him!"