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The Jersey Cowboy Unless you've got eagle-eyes, you'll have to trust me that Jersey Cowboy was a finalist in the Carver awards.  The Jersey Cowboy aired nationally on NPR's Car Talk in April 2007. -------------------------------------- Here's the lyric to the companion song... Trent galloped down the turnpike in the Olds 88 He was the quarterback for the Cowboys, Jersey state champs in ‘68 In high school he was the popular jock Then he graduated to the union docks He thinks he's still a big star But his photo's fading on the wall at Tom’s bar Chorus He’s a Jersey Cowboy – The hero of this bridge and tunnel scene He’s a Jersey Cowboy – Hangs his hat at exit 17 He’s a Jersey Cowboy, a Jersey Cowboy Trent saw a friend killed on the job, no time to lend a hand He went up to the bosses, told them things had to change, he laid down some demands We’re short-handed and tired, we ain’t got a prayer Jimmy Hoffa’s spirit's in despair The union laughed in his face They told Trent troublemakers get replaced Chorus He’s a Jersey Cowboy – The hero of this bridge and tunnel scene He’s a Jersey Cowboy – Hangs his hat at exit 17 He’s a Jersey Cowboy, a Jersey Cowboy Bridge Trent gathered the guys on the bloodied dock He was no longer just a washed-up jock He led that strike, like he did the day They beat Red Bank on the last play Chorus He’s a Jersey Cowboy – The hero of this bridge and tunnel scene He’s a Jersey Cowboy – Hangs his hat at exit 17 He’s a Jersey Cowboy, a Jersey Cowboy He hangs his hat at exit… He hangs his hat at exit 17 ------------------------------------------------ Here's the introduction to the short story... His name is Trent Roberts, and to look at him lying in his own vomit, you would hardly believe he was one of the all-time great high school quarterbacks to come out of Morris County, New Jersey. Trent has been passed out in the alley behind Tom’s Bar and Grille since closing time. Dawn breaks and Tommy stumbles on him while taking out the trash. “Jaysus, look at you,” he says, giving Trent a shake. “And you smell like my dog’s backside as well.” Trent stands all wobbly, as if there’s a gash between his bloodshot eyes. “Clean yourself up,” Tommy says, handing him a rag. “You’re lucky you didn’t drown in your own spittle.” "Yeah, right," Trent says. “Time you got home, huh? How about a taxi?” “How about one more drink?” “Jaysus, we’re all busted up over Ryan’s death, but we buried him two weeks ago. It’s time to move on. You know he would have wanted it that way.” “Just one more, then I’ll go.” Trent follows into the kitchen. Tommy grabs a filter and fills it with coffee, then dumps water into the machine. “This will be ready in a minute.” “Make it an Irish," Trent says, "and I’ll be out of your hair, honest.” “Not on your life.” Read the rest in Carve Magazine! |
"Thank you for sharing 'Jersey Cowboy' with us at Carve Magazine and congratulations on your selection as a finalist. There were approximatley 750 entries this year, and it means something to have your story chosen as among the top ten." Melvin Sterne Senior Editor and Publisher Carve Magazine  Jersey Cowboy (973 KB)The Jersey Cowboy appeared in Carve Magazine's May 2005 issue |
