Rodeo, The Family Sport By Rhonda Sedgwick Stearns
Rodeo’s called the “cowboy sport”,
But it’s really the “family sport” too —
In case you doubt that judgment
We have living proof for you.
Come an’ look, behind the grandstand,
Where the little ones romp in the shade —
Dressed in boots an’ hats, they’re packin’ ropes,
Wearin’ spurs and sayin’, “we’re not afraid.”
Their games are all ropin’ and ridin’,
With one fillin’ the announcer’s role,
Callin’ names and numbers in order;
As wee rodeo queens lend class to the show.
When grown too old to play such games,
They’ll jackpot big “dummy ropings”;
Or crane their necks behind the chutes,
Learnin’ from their idols . . . And hoping...
For the day when they’ll be “chapping up”
And workin’ rosin into a rope.
Or warmin’ up a bronc saddle on the ground,
As with good friends they chew, spit, an’ joke.
Such hopes cause rodeo mom’s to sigh,
And resign themselves to early gray hair —
In spite of which they are filled with pride
That their kids are winnin’ their share.
So they’ll work overtime, earnin’ money for fees;
Pack for hours, scrub an’ launder out mud —
Even ironin’ creases in starched overalls
While prayin’ they’ll never see . . . Blood!
Rodeo dad’s shoe horses and spend. . . Spend. . . Spend —
Buyin’ pickups an’ trailers an’ gas —
Takin’ days off to be there for the show,
Then “moonlighting” to pay off the bank.
Even grandma and grandpa are here in the stands —
She writes down scores with the patience of job;
His leathered face is creased with smiles of pride,
That the kids have all lived up to his hopes.
He remembers his own glory days ridin’ the broncs,
Ropin’ calves . . . And yes, he’d bulldog, or haze;
Even milk wild cows or saddle wild horses,
Then ride one to win the big race.
They’ll follow his boot-tracks as generations roll on —
Even his great-grand’s won’t pull up short,
‘Cause roots hold em’ anchored to destiny’s trail
In this number one family sport!!
Rhonda is a columnist for cowboypoetry.com and Saddle Baron Magazine. She received the Academy of Western Artist's "Will Rogers Award" as "Top Cowgirl Poet of 2003".
High Country Communications