into the blue

there are times
when you feel like your cowboy
days are over.
the horse is old.
the gun rusty,
a bullet or two left.
you couldn't lasso
a hydrant
let alone a steer or
a horse if you tried.
you're tired of the dust
and riding.
the sting of
cactus and bad whiskey.
unfaithful women.
you've pulled out a few
arrows,
bandaged up
the flesh wounds.
stood in the street
and had it out with people
who didn't like you.
you've escaped
the gallows too.
but enough.
time to settle down,
somewhere.
somewhere where you can see
the sun
go all the way down,
to the sea,
take off your hat,
your boots,
wile the hours away,
dip your tired feet
into the blue.