Charger’s Lament

by Lindabrit

My name is Charger and I’m widely reckoned to be

the fastest of the Barkley steeds, fast as the eye can see.

Heath vaults into my saddle and we gallop off to work,

we labour hard both night and day, Heath’s not a man to shirk.

We’re up before first light and we’re often last to quit,

Any tough work on the ranch, Heath’ll volunteer for it!

We haze ‘em, rope ‘em, brand ‘em, we work harder than the hands,

we’ve ridden every inch of line upon the Barkley lands.

Whenever Heath’s in trouble, which happens most every day,

I’m always ready and willing to help him get away.

I’ve been with him in tight corners places where the bullets fly,

Heath and I are fearless, we never ever say die.

Don’t misunderstand me, I’m prepared to give my best,

I’d do anything for Heath, a better cowboy than all the rest.

There’s just one thing that concerns me, I heard it from a pal.

She was Heath’s mount before me, his Modoc pony Gal.

Gal told me about the time Heath made her race the train,

I hope to heaven the crazy man never wants to do it again!

They crossed right in front of the train, galloping out flat,

Old Heath’s got another think coming, if he thinks I’m doing that!

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