Echoes of the Trail

Poems by Boot Shine Gal Judy Johnston
Here are two poems by Judy Johnston, who had a boot shine booth at Echoes of the Trail 2007:
The Look by Judy Johnston, 3/95
His face is etched and weathered. His hands are callused and gnarled from wear. His step is still spry, He's got a look in his eye, Though the years have whitened his hair.
I heard this old cowboy a talkin' To a young buckaroo in the fray. Who was just starting out, To find what life was about Living the "cowboy" way.
The old man said "I could have read about being a cowboy. All about roping and riding for a brand.
But for me, what it took Why, I couldn't have got from no book. It took years to make this waddie a hand.
Ya see, It's a hunger. A need. A want to. When it makes no sense To some folks to even try. And you'll know from the start, Cause it comes from deep in the heart. And you can tell By the look In the eye."
Wannabes By Judy Johnston, 1999
There are some that are. And some that ain't. And some just wannabe.
There are some, that all they can do is talk. While others, quietly live a life and whose actions speak loud enough for me.
There are some that think wearing a cowboy hat, buckle and boots makes the man.
While others know it's what's inside the head and the heart that makes the man "A Hand."
Now there are some who get dressed-up on weekends and play cowboy just for fun.
Yet for others, it's a seven-day-a-week lifestyle and the only job they've ever done.
There are some, that have absolutely no business being around livestock.
Why, they can't tell which end is coming or going.
While a few, can read reams in:
the look of an eye, the cock of an ear and sometimes with nary a sign a showing. Now, the some that are - sure enough are! And some that ain't - ain't! And that's a given
And the wannabes?
Well, they are highly irritating! But they help western stores and Horse traders make a decent livin'