Welcome to “The Coyote Revival Tales“. These are modern stories based on true events from friends, family and other brave souls. I have retold them with a Coyote twist to make them more fun. If you have a crazy story that I can pull some Coyote energy out of that you would like to see in this blog, send it to me. Remember it’s just for fun – no fame, no fortune – just the way Coyote would like it.
Coyote Revival Tales Chapter 3 – Bobcat’s New Boots
by Sue Sierralupe
Bobcat eased his Cadillac into a parking spot in front of Skunk’s barbershop. He sat for a few minutes in idle to enjoy the air conditioner before stepping out onto the hot sidewalk. His caddie was vibrating from the bass notes that his high fidelity stereo was cranking out.
Coyote and Snake squinted at each other from their perch on the barbershop’s brick window ledge. Bobcat was always showing off. This irritated Coyote and Snake because Bobcat had more money to show off with.
Bobcat waited until he had the attention of every pedestrian within spitting distance of his sedan before turning off the engine. He opened the car door very slowly. Then he stepped onto the sidewalk and gave an exaggerated turn in profile to click his car alarm remote. Bobcat tipped back on his heels.
Coyote and Snake noticed Bobcat’s new boots at the same time. They were steel tipped, white and gray cowboy boots with Stingray inlays. Coyote drew in his breath. He couldn’t help himself. Snake went pale. He recognized the leather: Diamondback. Snake hissed weakly. Bobcat glanced at him and sneered.
“I was looking for you, boys. I got a dairy barn that needs to be shoveled. After that, you will need to lay fresh hay in the stalls. I will pay handsomely: $50 for the day … each. What do you say?”
Coyote looked at Snake. Then he looked at Bobcat. Then he looked back at Snake. Bobcat yawned impatiently, then bent down to brush some imaginary dust from his snakeskin boots. Coyote grinned a slow grin.
“We’d love too.”
Snake stared at his friend in horror. He could visualize Bobcat’s barn clearly. He knew just how much poop 80 cows could generate. He and Coyote had cleaned it out last time. He knew that Bobcat was planning on playing them for suckers again.
Snake stared at those god awful boots again. Coyote tapped is muzzle and winked knowingly. He had a twinkle in his eye. Snake sighed in defeat. Coyote had a plan and Snake just hoped that he was going to enjoy it.
Coyote and Snake worked all day digging cow poop out of the stalls in Bobcat’s barn. Then they broke up some of the bales but instead of spreading hay in the stalls, they piled the loose hay in a big pile in the center of the barn.
Bobcat came in to inspect their work. The stalls were clean but he was unhappy with the lack of bedding for his cows. Coyote signaled Snake to stay quiet. He was getting that grin on his face again. Snake crossed his arms and glared at Bobcat’s boots.
“Listen, boys, I want to pay you for your work, I really do, but the job isn’t finished yet. You gotta spread the hay around. That was part of the deal.”
“Sorry, Bobcat,” said Coyote, “Your field hands came in and borrowed the pitchforks. We can’t spread it without pitchforks.”
“Sure you can, fellows. Just kick it around. It shouldn’t take you that long.”
Coyote grinned again and then scratched his head as if he didn’t understand. He walked over to the hay pile and tapped at the hay with his toe. A few bits of straw shifted gently.
“No, no, no,” said Bobcat impatiently. “You have to really give it a good solid kick. You really gotta put some muscle in it or the cows will be in the barn before their bedding is spread.”
Coyote cocked his head curiously. Bobcat sighed and shook his head.
“Fine. Watch me. I’ll show you how it’s done.”
Bobcat approached the pile and glanced apologetically to his new boots. He swung his leg back and gave the hay pile an overly dramatic kick. The pile did not scatter. Instead, it seemed to suck Bobcat’s leg in and hold it fast.
Bobcat yowled in surprise as he lost his balance and fell to the ground. He writhed and kicked with his other boot. There was a sucking sound as he tried to pull his leg out of the pile. Bobcat did not want to lose his boot in the pile so he stuck his leg back in and tried to dig through the pile to free himself.
Coyote and Snake laughed as they watched Bobcat get drawn deeper and deeper into the giant pile of cow poop that they had hidden under the hay. They slapped themselves on the back and took turns taking pictures on their cell phones with Bobcat struggling in the background.
As the pranksters headed for home, Snake clapped Coyote on the shoulder.
“I now understand why you insisted on soaking that big pile of cow poop with the hose so thoroughly before we covered it in hay. We really played a good trick on him.”
Coyote nodded.
“I just wish we could be there tonight when he cleans up.”
“Why?” asked Snake.
“He’s a cat. You know how they clean themselves.”
Then it was Snake’s turn to grin a slow grin. He wished he could be there too.
*This story was based on a trick that my grandfather played on his brother when he was young. No snakes were harmed in the making of his boots.