Lord, I'm Ready/Tamara Hillman

Grew up a country bumpkin,

known the freedom that entails.

Worked hard to make a livin',

walked down some dusty trails.

Ma and Pa was rough on me,

said it was for my good,

but I lit out real early

just to prove to them I could.

Did some drinkin' in my early days,

an' had a wife or two,

but now I just got my ol' horse

an' an ornery dog named Blue.

I've lived the life I wanted,

an' done most ever' thing,

have few regrets or heartaches,

so I really cain't complain.

The sky's my roof above me,

an' a camp fire keeps me warm.

My bed is straw an' saddlebags,

and bath, a country storm.

Drink water from the rivers clear

that fill from creek an' stream.

Eat jerky, hard tack biscuits,

and drink coffee without cream.

Ain't no call for cussin'

'cause no ones 'round to hear.

My temper done got simmered

an' replaced with dad-blame fear.

My hair is gettin' gray now,

bones creak more ever' day,

but I can still punch cattle,

brand them doggies, an' buck hay.

If I should die tomorrow,

I'll be glad to meet that train,

for God's seen fit in all His grace

to let me have the reins.

I'll ride them clouds in heaven,

an' sleep in if I please.

I'll praise the Lord before me,

as I get down on my knees.

All my troubles will be over,

won't even mind the rain,

'cause God'll keep me sheltered

from all this earthly pain.

So, let me never be forgettin'

how grand a life I've had,

'cause I've loved ever' minute,

an' it sure ain't been that bad!

© 2001, Tamara Hillman

This poem may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.