Texas Lament Poem

I stopped off at a roadhouse in Ohio.
I bought myself a glass or two of beer.
I heard an old song playing on the juke box
And wiped away the whisper of a tear.

I listened to this tune that told of Texas,
It made me wish that I were back at home.
One day I plan on going back to Texas,
And when I do I never aim to roam.

I figure I’ll go back to Water Valley
To find the folks that I once loved and knew.
Perhaps I’ll find my childhood sweetheart, Sally;
I’ll ask her if by chance she’s missed me too.

The old fort still sits silent by the Concho,
The river holding waters fast and deep.
Miguel will still be there in his old poncho,
Sombrero tilted forward in his sleep.

I still recall that day in Tom Green County,
I drew my gun and shot a cowboy dead.
The sheriff and a judge put up a bounty.
They laid ten thousand dollars on my head.

One day I’m going back to Water Valley,
Although the sheriff’s men may hang me high.
I need to see once more my sweetheart Sally,
And kiss her one more time before I die.