Peel away my shame like burnt skin,
Chip the crystals of hurt out of my heart,
Put a faded hat on my head, and make sure it fits.
Chew on a piece of lavender, wink at a pretty girl.
Stretch and break out of the shackles that are
Holding me to the earth; so long, resentment,
Farewell, bitterness. And finally I draw the arrow
Out from my heel – I pack up my baggage,
Douse it in fuel and light a match.
Walk away with burning behind my back.
Vault off the ground and onto a horse,
Tap its sides lightly with my spurs, click
My tongue. Throat on fire from whiskey,
Guitar slung over my back. Rodeo flares
Wrapped around my legs and a check
Shirt around my chest. Travelling into
The sunset, a new cowboy ready to ride,
Chewing on a piece of lavender,
Working it round a smile.
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