Switchin’ Positions (S.P.)

It has been a long time, 

many a moon has come and gone, 

since I started observin’ people 

and the “switchin’ positions” phenomenon.

Switchin’ positions is somethin’ we try 

as we deal with folks each day. 

We do it in the evenin’ time 

and even after we’ve hit the hay!

I kinda enjoy watchin’ folks 

going through their everyday transitions, 

tradin’ out roles and jockeyin’ around 

for more favorable positions.

Sometimes I tend to get windy, 

so for the sake of brevity, 

I’ll shorten the “Switchin’ Positions” term, 

and refer to it as “S.P.”

Here’s a little monologue 

’bout situations you’ve probably seen, 

of folks employin’ S.P., 

and I think you’ll get what I mean.

You’re out with your partner, 

gatherin’ wild cows, 

but you just ain’t up to a race. 

S.P. is handy for easin’ your load, 

and it also helps to save face.

“John, you’re sure well mounted today,

and I’m stuck with this danged ol’ nag.

How about you coverin’ swing and point,

and I’ll come along at drag.”

Or—“I ain’t stretched my rope for a while, 

so I might not be able to nail ’er. 

You go ahead and catch ’er, 

and I’ll ride back for the trailer.”

Another one—“That old bull won’t 

really fight, 

he’s just actin’ like he will. 

You ride on down and start ’im, 

and I’ll turn ’im up here at the hill.”

S.P. is an oft-used tool 

in all kinds of situations. 

The more that you use it, the slicker you get 

at both cowboy and human relations.

“I know it sure is frosty, 

but old Ed don’t ever buck. 

You go on down and saddle up, 

and I’ll come around with the truck.”

“Both of us ridin’ in the truck 

don’t make a lot of sense. 

I’ll run to town for the Warbex 

while you finish up the fence.”

“I think them hogs could be gettin’ hot.

I’ll go turn on the fogger. 

Here, take this scoop and keep the grain

pushed right up to the auger.”

“I slipped off the step this mornin’, 

and I’m kinda down in the back. 

But, I think I can drive, if you’d be so kind 

as to get up here and stack.”

“Honey, I know you’re tired of herdin’ 

the kids 

through every little battle. 

I could watch ’em here by the T.V. set, 

if you’d go feed the cattle.”

But the most common use of S.P., 

I’ve seen at our local cafe. 

“I’ll run and get the pickup, 

while you stay here and pay.” 

Editor’s note: Joe Kreger writes from his home in Tonkawa, Oklahoma. His CDs are available from the Journal by calling 1-800-954-5263. For personal appearance information, call 1-816-550-6549.