Skin Deep
 
His hat had the look of road kill
flattened beyond it's years
greased an' creased an' cracked
to most eyes it brought tears.
 
If you talked to him at all
you couldn't look him in the eye
'cause that poor old hat he wore
just sucked your straight face dry.
 
He'd look at you in wonder
if you horse-laughed right out loud
then remove his hat to check it out
and say to you real proud.
 
"I know it's kind of silly
and worn down beyond good use.
It's ugly and sure looks like
I'm wearin' your dead cayuse.
 
So every once in awhile I bury it
and drive down to the store
to see how much the new ones cost
then I sneak right out the door.
 
so go ahead an' laugh my friend
'cause I've dug it up once more."
©Steve Dirksen