The Return of Tennessee Stud

It was quiet tonight over in The Saloon.

The pards were all lost in their thoughts

A bad week it had been, or maybe a month

It was solace in whiskey they sought

Then with barely a whisper of the cool evening breeze

A boot trod the floor with a thud

Through the tall swinging doors, to the hombres surprise

Walked the one they called Tennessee Stud

A few of the old pards, they smiled then and there

Some greenhorns just asked, "Who's that there?"

"It's an old pard you youngsters. Just sit still and learn"

As Stud ran a hand through his hair

To a few pards he nodded. And they nodded back

Not much talk passed between the old friends

He walked to the bar and Bottles came up

And fixed the Stud up with a grin

"My thoughts are my own", says TS soft and low

"I'm just here for a minute or two"

Might stay and might not. Haven't made up my mind

But I reckon you'll know when I do

Way back in the shadows at the edge of the room

Sat an old lawdawg, gamey and grey

He kept his piece holstered and nodded real slight

As Tennessee Stud turned his way

They both poured a drink as the crowd held their breath

Not quite sure what might be going down

Then they both raised their glasses and said, "To lost pards"

"May their trails all be smooth from now on"

Then they smiled at each other and shared one more nod

As Stud headed back to the door

From the shadows the lawdawg said "Welcome back Stud"

"Don't be a stranger no more"

Then he was gone back into the night

For how long none of them knew

The greenhorns looked puzzled, as an old timer said,

"Maybe this time he'll stay. Hope he do"