the cowboy years

my friend Clint, whose

real name is

Eugene

has taken up the personae

of a cowboy.

he used to work for Microsoft

designing Windows 3,

4, 6 and seven.

he wears a big

hat on his head,

and keeps his pants

up with a belt buckle

in the shape of Texas.

he squints a lot as if the sun

is perpetually in his eyes.

his boots are made

of crocodile skin.

he's sporting a mustache too.

he's never been on a horse,

or seen a horse

up close, let alone a chicken

or a cow.

he's never been to a rodeo,

or herded sheep,

or learned how to two step

or do the electric slide,

but when he sees you on

the street,

he tips his hat

and says howdy partner,

how's the missus?

nice day for a cattle drive,

ain't it?

yes, i tell him.

sure is, Eugene.