If you have a poem, song lyrics or a short story and you would like to share it with the readers of The Statesman now is your chance.

Email or mail us your submission and look for it in an upcoming issue of The Statesman.     SIMPLE THINGS WE DO A quiet walk, a tender touch an eager smile can mean so much; I recall, as dawn breaks through, that all the little things we do are simple pleasures filling days and touching lives in many ways. I help a loved one find a gift, I'm there when spirits need a lift. I hold the hands of those in pain and listen as our guests explain their tears of joy or tears of grief -- my presence here provides relief. I start each morning with a prayer, "Where there is need, let me be there," for little things I do each day help those I meet along the way. I'm a caring part of every shift. I volunteer ... the priceless gift.   SubmittedbyOtisRainwater   MY COWBOY FRIENDS Bob Steele was a friend of mine. Used to watch him all the time. Three licks and the bad guy was out. Never saw him lose a bout. I used to visit him a lot. Whatever happened to Randolf Scott? He rode a black stallion named Thunder, Never saw him make a blunder. Audie Murphy, from Texas, was a hero in the war; Went out to Caliifornia and became a movie star, There was never a little man better with his fists, Or he never had a woman that he didn't kiss. Always thought Roy and Gene were the sissy type. They'd rather sing and play their guitars than fight. They rode two horses named Champion and Trigger, As far as singing cowboys, there was none any bigger. Lash Larue was famous for his whip. The outlaws didn't give him any lip. Every Saturday the outlaw left him for dead. Next Saturday the outlaw would be filled with lead. The radio batteries were weak and I could hardly hear. But every day after school the Lone Ranger was on the air. He wore a mask and had a faithful companion named Tonto, Rode a white stallion, Silver, and could draw his guns pronto. Another old friend was named Red Ryder. He was a good man and one heck of a gunfighter. He helped the poor and was against the crooks. You could read about him in the funny books. My all-time favorite was a man named John. He put a many a bad man on the run. Wish we had more in this country like him today, So we could be proud as we were yesterday. Seems like all my old friends have bit the dust. Kids' heros now are about crime and dope and lust. My friends are looking down on their reckless brothers, And saying, "Hey, you've got to fend for one another."   byDwayneGarner