Cowboys & Con Men

I’ve always been both.

Being a Cowboy on the island of Moloka’i / photo of author at age 12

Can we play cowboys & con men?

Or are those two the same?

I think a cowboy can be a con man

But I don’t think every con man is a cowboy

So then, there must be a distinction

I’m just not sure what it is?

But I know I’m both.

Wrangling cattle on a ranch furthest out west

Getting bucked off horses under a Montana sky

Kickin’ my boots under the bed

Hanging my hat on the wall

Dancing and singing in cages drunk to Brooks & Dunn with my friends at the Saddle Rack or the Crazy Horse Saloon

Drinkin’ Lone Star ‘cause “Texas Forever”

Feeling at home under that hot Southern sun.

Keep calling me miss and ma’am, please

But please know, I’ve always been a cowboy.

“Cowboy Like Me” – T. Swift / Living that con man lifestyle on the run / both photos of author

There’s a famous song about eyes that deceive.

That’s those gold rings in my eyes that captivates