Gwen Petersen: In a Sow’s Ear 4-9-12
April 9, 2012
A friend challenged me to write a poem about a cowboy and cowgirl using song titles of the 50s-in alphabetical order. This is a country song waiting to happen. Unless somebody stops me, I’ll start on a tune.
Cowboy C.C. Rider Meets Cowgirl Susie
Well, I gotta say that Ain’t It A Shame
When a special cowboy’s in the loving game
Had Suesie on her toes in Blue Suede Shoes
And gave her a sorry case of the blues.
Recommended Stories For You
She was dancin’ her way up Blueberry Hill
Lookin’ for a cowboy to give her a thrill.
Then she dated a cowboy, C.C. Rider
And out they went and drank hard cider.
But then one night he fell on his face
While she was wearing her Chantilly Lace
When he turned into a really bad apple
She began Crying In The Chapel.
But he begged and he cried oh, Don’t Be Cruel
Darlin’ for you I’m a great big fool.
He got so upset he came down with a Fever
And broke the law with a loaded cleaver.
Now he’s workin’ on a chain gang crew
And singin’ the Folsom Prison Blues.
Cussin’ and moanin’ Great Balls Of Fire
He’s thinkin’ ’bout doin’ somethin’ dire.
He’s sleepin’ each night in a lonely cell
Doin’ hard time in Heartbreak Hotel.
Feelin’ sadder than an old Hound Dog
He wrote Sue a letter; in the epilogue.
Said he’s changing his ways, he’ll always be true
And whimpered I Only Have Eyes For You.
I’ll transform my life as I Walk The Line
It’s a promise I make with my heart and mind.
I give you my word In The Still Of The Nite
For you, cowgirl, are the light of my life.
Though I’m living here on Jailhouse Rock
Please give me a chance, oh please don’t mock.
I’m C.C. Rider, but Johnny B. Goode
Is what I’ll be if you tell me I should.
And then I’ll take you to Kansas City
And I’ll pay attention, oh please have pity.
I’ll treat you better than Mack The Knife
And keep you safe and free from strife.
How do you feel, oh Peggy Sue
Give me a hint for I haven’t a clue.
Sue listened to C.C. bare his soul
And began to Shake, Rattle And Roll.
He stirred her emotions like a mulligan stew
He sunk her deep in the Summertime Blues.
If she agrees, That’ll Be The Day
He breaks her heart in a brand new way.
Should she forgive him, say That’s All Right
Or should she tell him to take a hike?
Perhaps he’s merely The Great Pretender
And soon as he’s free he’ll go on a bender.
And she’ll be saying There Goes My Baby
Her feelings hurt, her heart all achy.
Should she tell herself Wake Up Little Susie
C.C. Rider might only abuse me?
She fell in a quandary while singin’ this song
Had a Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On.
Susie confessed, “Though cowboy You Send Me
Before I commit, before I’ll agree –
Should I worry your horse will come after my cart,
If I take a chance on Your Cheatin’ Heart?”