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Cowboy Poetry and Western Verse
An Old Soldier’s Prayer
Allen Russell
Evening Lord, pardon me for calling on you so late
But, it’s Christmas Eve and I’m feeling mighty old
Nearly everybody here as gone home to be with family and friends
I’m alone in this room; it’s just too quiet, and my feet are cold
I was dreaming I was back at Fort Abraham Lincoln just now
We were just a bunch of excited kids when we turned out that morning for muster
Rumor said we were going to Montana, with the Seventh Cavalry
We’d be taking orders from our new commander, a Colonel, name o’ Custer
We were proud and bold as we formed up and rode out of the gate
Horses prancing, guidons flying, we were the mighty Seventh Cavalry
The tearful wives and sweethearts were lined up and waving
There was no need to worry, the Indian hadn’t been born that could stand in our way
I read in your word, that pride goes before a fall
We didn’t know it then, but a hard lesson was about to be taught to us all
It was the twenty-fifth of June when we arrived at Little Big Horn
It wasn’t much of a river, but what great country, rolling hills and the grass was tall
We found the Indians in one big village
It was a peaceful scene, almost like they were expecting us for supper
We were supposed to wait for General Terry
But, the Colonel said no, they may try to escape
The Colonel split the command, his plan to carry out
I was sent upstream with Major Reno, Little Joe, and old Sergeant Tate
We were ordered to circle around their camp, and hit ‘em from the south
The rest went north with the General, and there they all met their fate
Remembering the aftermath of that battle still makes me shiver
With the bloody afternoon finally over
We lay in rifle pits that we dug on the ridge above the river
I was thanking you Lord, for surviving the fight
Many soldiers were wounded, and suffering from thirst
Someone needed to crawl down to the river and get water
Nobody seemed too anxious, so I volunteered to go first
Courage didn’t figure into it, just something I had to do
Back at Fort Lincoln they gave me the Congressional Medal
For risking a trip to the river, and nursing my wounded friends
It wasn’t anything special, Lord
I just did what I knew you would have me do
Well from Montana to here it’s been a long ride
I’m holding my old bible all tattered and worn
It’s the only thing I have left that’s really mine
I’ve read it over and over and some of the pages are torn
I suppose I’ve reached my last outpost
And I’m wondering when I’ll be going
I swear sometimes late at night
I can hear Gary Owen
I’m the last survivor of the battle at Little Big Horn
I miss my friends, and I’m ready to join them
Lord, I’d give anything to see Montana some golden morn
I suppose a little plot at Arlington will have to do
Lord, I always figured death would come for me on the battle field
Through the years he wore many faces
I pictured him on a coal black horse and me refusing to yield
I planned to die for freedom, not wither away in this damn bed
For seventy-five years I’ve faithfully stood my post
Now I’m done and ready to be relieved.
Stuck here in this place, I’m little more than a ghost
Well good night Lord, I’m mighty tired, just gonna rest now
Lord, suddenly, I’m feeling pretty good
Shucks, I don’t feel so old
I’m not quite sure what’s going on here
This bright glorious morning, and I ain’t so cold
It seems I’m well mounted on this brand new McClellan
The blanket’s federal blue with a bright gold tuck
This is a mighty fine horse, Lord
He reminds me of old Buck
I hope this is heaven, but looking around me here
Seems more like rip-roaring Montana, under this boundless big sky
I hear voices up ahead, and a bugle ringing clear
Boots N’ Saddles, I swear, it’s been years
Lord, I can’t believe my eyes
There stands the immortal Seventh Cavalry, proud and straight
With your permission Sir, I’d like to take my place
I had to fight a few more battles, before I could get passed the guard at the gate
I’m grateful to you Lord for the good times and the battles we won
Thank you for the army, and these chosen few
It was a great life and I had a lot of fun
This here wild bunch is all the family I ever knew
Now comes this glorious morning
Our regiment stands complete upon this hallowed hill
I can smell the sweet grass, and I feel the lonesome wind
Far off, I can see the Big Horn Mountains, shining there still
The width and breadth of this great country
Lord, it’s almost more than I can take in
It doesn’t really matter if this is the Promised Land or just Montana
I’m at peace Lord, because I’m finally home again
Standing here, I feel strong and tall
My aches and pains are gone
Or they just seem too few to mention
Stand still horse, you’re at attention
Just one more thing, Lord, and I’ll let you go
I’m much obliged to you, for this once and for all
And for allowing me to answer
The last bugle call
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