COWBOY JOE

THE VERDE WORD

This week's Verde Word is a reflection of how in moments of intense anger, stress or discomfort, we at times become enraged and take it out on others.

Cowboy Joe is no different from the rest of us, however because he comes from a different century he carries a handgun in his holster.  If  his temper nor his actions can't be controlled, this presents a very dangerous scenario.

Look...down the street, here comes Cowboy Joe.  Man, he look angry at something, I hope like crazy he is not gunning for me.  I often think that the little paranoia bird sings in Joe's tree.

If you see Cowboy Joe stomping down the street, kicking up the dust, his right hand hovering over his gun and holster, find somewhere to hide, now!

You see, Cowboy Joe always thinks someone is either against him, makes fun of him, does not like him or is ready to offend.  He waits for it to happen because in his mind, everyone is out to 'get' him.  He knows it will happen, and it does happen, because this is what Joe expects.

One day, he was so riled up at something he thought someone had said behind his back, and even if they did not say whatever it was, he just knew they were about to.  You betcha!

So there was Joe stomping down the street, gunning for an unknown someone or something to shoot.  The steam could be seen gushing out his ears, his mouth was set so tight his teeth gnashed and it was a wonder they did not break.  He was very angry at something although he did not know what.  He was in such a bad mood and extremely angry that things in town were looking pretty nasty.

Down the street he went, horses, dogs, cats, women and children and all manner of living things not only hid, but some even headed for the hills.

With each step, Joe was getting more and more mad.  Grunting, shouting and cursing at anyone or anything in earshot.  Fury was raging in Joe's mind and heart. He knew the world hated him and no one liked him. 'You will pay!' He was yelling and screaming repeatedly.  'You will all pay for it, I know what you think of me!!!" he was shouting.  Suddenly, his anger and control was totally lost and he was shaking and out of control.  He grabbed for his always loaded gun and attempted to whip it out of his holster and shoot!  

Unfortunately, his timing was out and he pulled the trigger before the gun had left his holster.

The stupid bastard shot himself in the foot!  Hopping, jumping, falling over and rolling in the dirt in absolute agony.  Naturally, this made him even madder if that was indeed possible.

The town Chinese laundry was nearby and Wing Chang came running out and over to Cowboy Joe who was still writhing in agony.  Although Wing Chang was a peaceful man and not particularly brave, he was quick enough to grab Joe's gun and toss it as far away as he could.

'Joe, Joe. Stop.  You stop.  Is ok.  I will help.'  

Joe swore at Wing Chang but the oriental gentleman still continued to bring Joe under control.

'Why you wanna help me you chink?  You all hate me.  I know!' Joe was still spitting angry words.

Wing Chang was quiet and calm as he bent over Cowboy Joe.  With peace in his voice Wing Chang quietly said  'Joe, man with anger not good, not good.  Come,  I will help you.'

Joe was continually grumbling and cursing as Wing Chang helped Joe hobble to the laundry.  

Once inside, Wing Chang commenced helping Joe get his boot off and clean the bloody wound to his big toe.

'Bloody gun, bloody toes, bloody people, everyone is bloody against me.  If people were nice to me this would not have happened.'

Wing Chang did not reply, instead, he was making a cup of tea for them both.

'I can't drink this.  What is this bloody Asian tea stuff, it is poison!' Joe exclaimed.

Staying silent Wing Chang placed Joe's cup of tea on the table where Joe was seated and then continued cleansing Joe's wound and padding it with soft clean fabric.

Joe continued mumbling and grumbling but he was becoming less noisy and his anger was subsiding.

After a  while, Joe stopped complaining and sat sullenly in the chair.  

Wing Chang said nothing and kept drinking his tea.  He was surprised that Cowboy Joe did not storm or even hobble back into the street.

The winds of rage died down.  The storm was subsiding.

Wing Chang  gauged his time.

Cowboy Joe looked at Wing Chang with curiosity.

Wing Chang knew the moment had come.

'Wing,  are you not afraid of me?' Joe asked.

'No, I am not afraid of you.  It is you who is afraid of you.' Wing replied.

Joe said nothing.

Wing Chang continued.

'You are not angry at anyone Joe.  You are angry at yourself.  No matter how many things you shoot, or yell or are angry at, your anger towards others is not true.  You are angry at yourself and blame others for the way you feel.

Joe, I like you, everyone in town likes you but because you dislike yourself, you think we are the same and dislike you too.  This is not true.

Look at yourself differently.  You are a good man Joe. You don't drink booze, you never hurt anyone, you are not a thief, you earn a living.  But Joe, one piece of advice, you have to learn to love and like yourself like we all like you.  Joe, recognise the good things in yourself.

But, if an unhappy man has a temper, he must not carry a gun.  

Because a man who carries a gun, shoots himself in the foot'

Cowboy Joe sat quietly and drank his tea.

Verde