The Windmill
Man
from the "Ordinary
Cowboy"
I creak and I groan like an old cowboy's
bones
And I have stood here for many years
I did the job that was intended
Seeking only to be mended
Serviced and repaired
But when I was new and shiny
I stood far out on the plains
Converting wind to water
Where there wasn't any rains
And I was never lonely
Watching over sand and hill
Listening to the empty when the wind and I were still
And when the west began evolving
I bore the winds of change
Faithfully revolving above the disappearing range
And when all the land was subdivided
Still I stood my ground
Though my need had long subsided
And I moved further into town
Sometimes I miss that emptiness
Though I still have earth and sky
And the curious attention
Of the kids that pass me by
They say I am the windmill man
So that is what I'll be
If not an object of affection
Then one of curiosity
Oh I still have that yearning
To be out there whirling and twirling
Feeling the wind between my vanes
To be that solitary edifice
Far out on the plains
But like all things made by man
Time has passed me by
Now I creak and I groan
Like an old cowboy's bones
The windmill man am I
© Richard Elloyan
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's
written
permission.
