Buster
The sun was high, in the autumn sky
When snow began to fall
And we were far, from the big “O Bar”
Out in the freezin' squall
Now Buster was a likely hoss
That knew the home range well
So there was not a problem
As far as I could tell
I hadn't gauged the fury
That was pent up in the storm
And what we would experience
Was far beyond the norm
When snow began a buildin' up
And driftin' here and there
I soon became a mite concerned
So said a little prayer
We hurried on, till day was gone
Which brought a touch of, fear
It still was far, to the big “O Bar”
And nothing else was near
Old Buster picked it up a notch
He knew as well as I
That home was still a ways ahead
And time was passin' by
I felt old Buster falter
So, I climbed out of my kack
And took away the burden
Of the load upon his back
I knew I couldn't last for long
But had to do my best
To walk at least a mile or two
And give him time to rest
I couldn't see, ahead of me
So didn't really know
If we were far, from the big “O Bar”
Or which way we should go
I stumbled twice but carried on
I couldn't feel my feet
And couldn't see too far ahead
Through all the snow and sleet
I barely found the strength required
To climb back on my horse
And couldn't find the reins at all
So Buster picked the course
I thought I saw an angel
In an aura through the snow
Her wings and halo shinin'
A rare unearthly glow
I start to fall, and give a call
As ev'rything turns black
It's still too far, to the big “O Bar”
I never will get back
My thoughts began to wander
To days left far behind
And mem’ries went a racin' through
My cold befuddled mind
I feel a downy softness
And tinglin' in my toes
The smell of fresh brewed coffee
Assails my frostbit nose
Through slits of swollen eyes I see
My sweetheart, my dear wife
That Buster hoss, had brought me home
He'd truly saved my life
In whispered shame, I called her name
And asked how Buster fared
He'd brought me far, to the big “O Bar”
I hoped his life was spared
She told me he was doin' fine
And restin' in the shed
And just like me, it had been close
We both were nearly dead
I told the boys to rub him down
And give him lots of grain
And do not spare the liniment
If he showed any pain
Well life has changed for me a mite
I have my second chance
Believe me when it comes to life
I'm ready for the dance
I truly try, to prove that I
Am worthy to be here
Not stray too far, from the big “O Bar”
In the autumn of the year