The mesquite fire crackles and pops
And smoke rises in the air
Along the brush, a rabbit hops.
Over the mountains, the sun sets fair.
I stir the beans in the old iron pot
And give the biscuits a lid.
I then turn up my tin coffee cup
And take a good long sip.
The mules are hobbled, horses are tied
And blankets are spread around.
Tomorrow brings a new days’ ride
But tonight we camp on the ground.
A calming sound sings from the creek,
As it's bubbling its way south.
It nearly lulls me off to sleep
As I brush the crumbs from my mouth.
I fold my hands behind my head
And relax in the embers glow.
Then pop the dust from my hat,
And tip it over my nose.
KL Dennie
