Poem by Arthur Chapman

The Dude Center

We used to run a cow-ranch,
  In all that old term meant,
But all our ancient glories
  In recent years have went;
We’re takin’ summer boarders,
  And, puttin’ it quite rude,
It’s now the cowboy’s province
  To herd the festive dude.

We used to run an outfit,
  The greatest in the West;
Our cowboys were the wonders —
  Our roundups were the best;
The punchers still are with us,
  But now they merely guide
The tenderfoot from Boston
  Who’s learnin’ how to ride.

We used to brand our cattle
  And ship ‘em wide and far;
But now we import humans
  From off the Pullman car;
The dudes have got us captures
  And tied and branded, too;
And the cowboy’s readin’ Ibsen
  When his daily toil is through.

1. The High-Heeled Boots
2. Daylight Saving in Cactus Center
3. Arroyo Al on Worry
4. Christmas Shopping in Cactus Center
5. The Magic Mulligan

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