Cowboys are an American Icon for a very specific reason. We have images of Gene Autrey, Roy Rogers, and the Lone Ranger stuck in our head because we immediately identify with their noble struggle. When a cowboy rides the range, he is virtually alone. He has the herd and/or his horse and his own weary mind to keep him company. At some time or another, as Beaver has written here, we, and those we know, feel as though we are all alone with little companionship. It’s not a position most of us envy; it is after a little while of being alone that we realize exactly what’s wrong with it; we have to be alone.
The only thing I could think of as I read this post was the Eagles’ song.
Desperado
Why don’t you come to your senses?
You’ve been out riding fences
for so long now
Oh, you’re a hard one
I know that you’ve got your reasons
These things that are pleasing you
Will hurt you somehow
Don’t draw the queen of diamonds, boy
she’ll beat you if she’s able
you know the queen of hearts is always your best bet
Now it seems to me some fine things
Have been laid upon your table
But you only want the ones that you can’t get
Desperado
Oh you ain’t getting no younger
Your pain and your hunger
are driving you home
and freedom, Lord, freedom
that’s just some people talking
your prison is walking
through this world all alone
And don’t your feet get cold in the winter time?
The sky won’t snow and the sun won’t shine
It’s hard to tell the nighttime from the day
You’re loosing all your highs and lows
Ain’t it funny how the feeling goes away?
Desperado
Why don’t you come to your senses
come down from your fences
and open the gate
It may be raining
but there’s a rainbow up above you
You better let somebody love you
before it’s too late.
Beaver’s cowboy was chasing the things he couldn’t get; the devil’s empty, vague promises always beyond our grasp. Eventually, however, he did realize that he needed to let somebody love him, and luckily it wasn’t too late. He opened the gateway to his heart and Jesus entered in and shone his love. God bless this cowboy, who gave so much to our family and loved the Lord. Praise Jesus for his presence; as Beaver said, he is up in Heaven training those horses. And even a rough and tumble cowboy can find some time to help a beautiful little girl climb on the back of her own little pony. Even now, I can see them, riding in a land of silver clouds and silent stars.