by S. Hargrave

“Give a guy a fair break!” said the sherriff, his arms in the air. “I was half asleep like-it was a sort o’ lapse me givin’ you that gun. Be fair now, an’ hand it back, there’s a buddy!”

Narrated by Bryce Beattie.

This is one of those Christmas stories that was made into a Christmas story by adding “It was Christmas” at the beginning and then reminding us when the story is set again right at the end. Oh, well. It’s a silly western anyway, and that’s good enough for me. Maybe next year I’ll find something that fits the season even better.

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Merry Christmas everybody!

Here is some cowboy poetry that has nothing to do with the western story that is this week’s podcast, but at least has something to do with Christmas.

A Cowboy’s Christmas Prayer

I ain’t much good at prayin’, and You may not know me, Lord — For I ain’t much seen in churches, where they preach Thy Holy Word. But you may have observed me out here on the lonely plains, A-lookin’ after cattle, feelin’ thankful when it rains.

Admirin’ Thy great handiwork.

The miracle of the grass, Aware of Thy kind Spirit, in the way it comes to pass That hired men on horseback and the livestock that we tend Can look up at the stars at night, and know we’ve got a Friend.

So here’s ol’ Christmas comin’ on, remindin’ us again Of Him whose coming brought good will into the hearts of men. A cowboy ain’t a preacher, Lord, but if You’ll hear my prayer, I’ll ask as good as we have got for all men everywhere.

Don’t let no hearts be bitter, Lord. Don’t let no child be cold. Make easy the beds for them that’s sick and them that’s weak and old. Let kindness bless the trail we ride, no matter what we’re after, And sorter keep us on Your side, in tears as well as laughter.

I’ve seen ol’ cows a-starvin’ — and it ain’t no happy sight; Please don’t leave no one hungry, Lord, on Thy Good Christmas Night — No man, no child, no woman, and no critter on four feet I’ll do my doggone best to help you find ’em chuck to eat.

I’m just a sinful cowpoke, Lord — ain’t got no business prayin’ But still I hope you’ll ketch a word or two, of what I’m sayin’: We speak of Merry Christmas, Lord—

I reckon You’ll agree —

There ain’t no Merry Christmas for nobody that ain’t free! So one thing more I ask You, Lord: just help us what You can To save some seeds of freedom for the future Sons of Man!

– S. Omar Barker