Night Life   The evening sky turned red behind the cowboy as he sat and shadows turned to darkness underneath his western hat.   He was working on a campfire that soon lit up his face warming up rough hands out in a lonely place.   A horse was hobbled close by and it gave a gentle nicker as the flames danced in the breeze making shadows flicker.   Tired from a long day, his hands stretched out a bedroll letting heat and weariness and darkness take its toll.   Asleep at last a dream crept in, traveling through his mind. The fire died out, leaving glowing ash and smoke behind.   Next morning when he woke up, the tired aches weren't gone but stomping on his boots, he was glad to greet the dawn.   A little sun and fire warmed some coffee, and his bones then he saddled up his pony, in the morning sounds and tones.   One more day of cow work was OK with this old hand riding off to find a gather in this hard work cowboy land.

©Steve Dirksen