Cowboy

Running them in around nightfall
the Stars and Stripes hoisted
behind the bucking chutes
cowboys and cowgirls wearing halos
and down-home folk as spectators
chaps, boots, spurs, and protective vest
geared for a dance with the wild
two-stepping with death
straddling 2000lbs of anger and muscle
horns pointed forward
my heart-rate is at maximum
rawhide strapped tightly to nylon
blood circulation building in my hand
clowns standing fast in cleats
the announcer murdering the pronunciation
of my Italian last name-- deep breath
I push my hat down on my head
and give a nod-- the chute-gate flies open
freedom at it's best, jump for jump
addicted to adrenaline
my hand suspended in the air