A Cowboy's Bedtime Poem by Robert Eckstein

Around the campfire after dark
The cowboys tell weird tales.
Atop a hill not far away
A lone coyote wails.
The moon is maybe halfway up
And sheds an eerie glow
That makes the cactus come alive
Though you're sure it can't be so.
A restless heifer wanders up
As though she wants to hear.
You've chased her through the scrub all day,
But now, you're glad she's here.
Reilly's tale is of a strange, dark thing
That fills your heart with dread.
Williams tells a story of a chicken with no head.
The heifer looks you in the eye
And then she wanders off.
Campfire smoke gets in your face
And you begin to cough.
A cold wind comes in from the north.
Your dogs are on patrol.
You roll up in your blanket
And pray to keep your soul.