gray-haired cowgirl

 gray-haired cowgirl sits high

leaning into the riding mower             

boot off the brake, clutch out.

in wide spanning circles 

she moves with ease,

familiar with the worn path of duty.

she’s a one-girl rodeo show

honed all the tricks of a country wife,                                    

marriage being her timed event.

steadfast as a wheel-horse 

she stays in the saddle, still

waiting for her trophy buckle.