The Call

The boss called a meeting with all his crew,
He smiled and said "Im in need of best of you".
The crew wondered what was all wrong.
"A cowboy wanted: tough and quite strong."

The boss made for a speech, by taking off his hat,
"Down yonder", He said, "That's where the problems at".
"There's no quiz to prove who is the best,
Down there", boss said, "Fellas that's the test." 

"My herd is lost, they've all gone astray, 
A savior I need, to help carve the way.
No this job isn't for the faint hearted, 
Credentials you need, to get ya started."

The boss put his hat on, for good measure, 
"Goodness", Boss said, "is what will bring pleasure.
I hope a nice disposition is instilled in your mind,
These people need someone who is good and kind."

"Faith will move the waters and earth,
A barn is where your mom'll give birth. 
From there, life is full of sun and light.
The deaf will hear, the blind have sight".

"You'll see the waters, walk on the sea,
A good cow hand would be helpful to me.
I know what you think, this won't be so hard! 
Partners, there's always dealt a bad card".

"Trampled and beaten, constantly in pain, your body will hurt. 
Left in the trodden down path of footprints in the dirt. 
All this for the mistakes of my earthly kin,
I need someone to give repentance of sin."

"That's not all, in this job you will teach,
Have big wigs come listen to words that you preach.
An educator, you'll be from beginning to end.
You'll have me to help, a confidant, a friend."

"Yes", Boss said, "You'll need help, Ill give you  a ranch hand.
Twelve should be enough, to teach through the land.
Look out, I say, one of the twelve will be an enemy. 
That one will betray you while your in a place called Gethsamane."

"Your journey will end, when your at your ultimate loss.
Cowboy, you'll be beaten, abused, hung on cross. 
There you will suffer like no one has before. 
And in just hours, you're life will be no more"

Your people will carry you and they'll be driven to weep.
Behind stone slab, is where they think they'll have you sleep.
They all believe you've left, but they'll stand corrected.
On the third day, cowboy, you'll be resurrected."

The boss ended, the ranch hands showed a sad face. 
This wasn't the time, or chance. This was no way their place.
One by one they all turned down the request.
They all rode away thinking 'Hey it's for the best'.

There stood one man with reins bridled to a bare back steed. 
"I'm fearless", said he, "Im the cowboy you  need".
The boss stared him up and then stared him down. 
"I have one final statement, before you leave town".

"Those other cowboys didn't let me tell the whole story,
When your soul returns, you'll be crowned in my glory.
You think you possess the right behavior?
Do you qualify as a sinners savior?"

The cowboy smiled and then he began to explain
"I'll teach how forgiveness  by the words I proclaim.
I'll also remind that every man must choose his sentence. 
I'm willing to die, so these men will choose  repentance".

"They'll call me the King of Kings or Father's Son.
Meanwhile, the Devil thinks he is the faster gun. 
I'll show love to all, and never sin on any condition. 
If that's all then, Boss Man, do I have your permission?"

The Boss was overcome with sadness but also  joy. 
He didn't know it'd be hard sending this cowboy. 
He sat on the wagon wheel, sick to the core. 
Never in the past had the boss cried before.

The volunteer cowboy said "I understand and am willing all the same. 
I'm ready to ride, Boss, and Jesus is my name. 
Don't be sad boss, I know if I get lost on the trail, 
I'll pray to you, you will never ever let me fail". 

The boss stood up, knowing there's nothing really to fear. 
Callus hands went to wipe away a Father's dreadful tear. 
"Is there anything else", Boss said, "Before you drink that bitter cup?"
The cowboy answered, "Nope, I'm ready; lets saddle up!"

Dexton Lake