Chapter One

Scratchy's Prayer

by C. Carson Parks

Let my hand be steady on the gun
Make the cattle slower as they run
Make the saddle softer from now on
And let the trail be smooth I ride upon
Make the dawn come later ev'ry day
And give me strength to ride just one more day
Let the strays be near
And keep these old eyes clear
When I near the closing of my year.

Let me see the beauty of the plains
But let me not get chilly when it rains
Make the coffee stronger in my cup
And let these bones not ache when I wake up.
Let me rest my pony when he sighs
And help me walk with pride in other men's eyes
Then let me and my roan
Ride off somewhere alone
When we reach the closing of the year.