From Range to Rhyme: Cowboy Poetry

Rooted in the traditions of ranch life, horsemanship, and the challenges faced by those who call the frontier their home, cowboy poetry stands as a testament to the resilience, humor, and true, unyielding spirit of the cowboy and the Western way of life. With rhythmic measure and expressive imagery, cowboy poetry captures the essence of a former era while resonating with audiences far beyond the dusty trails and sagebrush horizons of the origins.

Way back when cowboy poetry began with cowboys reciting or improvising verses around campfires during long nights. These poems served various purposes, including entertainment, storytelling, and documentation of cowboy life, including experiences such as cattle drives, roundups, hardships, and camaraderie. Eventually, cowboy poetry grew beyond the campfire, and gatherings, festivals, and competitions became popular venues for poets to share their work and connect with audiences who appreciate and enjoy Western culture.

Arguably, the most famous cowboy poet to ever live was Baxter Black. Black published over 30 books of poetry and fiction suitable for adult and children readers alike. As a master humorist, Baxter was witty and could catch the eye and ear of the everyday audience. His experiences as a rancher and veterinarian allowed real and raw reflections of the Western way to be brought to life through his poetry. 

Other famous cowboy poets include Buck Ramsey, Waddie Mitchell, Badger Clark and Red Steagull. Clark's poem, 'A Cowboy’s Prayer,' was first published in 1906 and has become one of the most famous poems about cowboys. Earning many great accolades and admiration through the genre, these poets are revered as pioneers of cowboy poetry. Wrangling words and spurring creativity came naturally to men like these cowboys who lived out the cowboy way every day. 

Today, cowboy poetry has begun to embrace digital platforms as well, allowing poets to reach broader audiences through websites, social media, podcasts, and online publications. While rooted in tradition, cowboy poetry continues to evolve while still embodying modern themes, perspectives, and poetic techniques. 

The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nev., is one of many events that still happen today. Featuring open mic sessions, shows and workshops, films, and more, the Western Folklife Center works hard to bring cowboy poetry beyond the campfire in the modern world. 

As we reflect on the tradition of cowboy poetry and the poets who keep it alive today, we are reminded that while the landscape may change, the spirit of the cowboy endures. 

"A Cowboys Prayer" Badger Clark 

'Oh Lord, I've never lived where churches
grow.
I love creation better as it stood
That day You finished it so long ago
And looked upon Your work and called it
good.
I know that others find You in the light
That's sifted down through tinted window
panes,
And yet I seem to feel You near tonight
In this dim, quiet starlight on the plains.

I thank You, Lord, that I am placed so well,
That You have made my freedom so com-
plete;
That I'm no slave of whistle, clock or bell,
Nor weak-eyed prisoner of wall and street.
Just let me live my life as I've begun
And give me work that's open to the sky;
Make me a pardner of the wind and sun,
And I won't ask a life that's soft or high.

Let me be easy on the man that's down;
Let me be square and generous with all.
I'm careless sometimes, Lord, when I'm in
town,
But never let 'em say I'm mean or small!
Make me as big and open as the plains,
As honest as the hawse between my knees,
Clean as the wind that blows behind the rains,
Free as the hawk that circles down the
breeze!

Forgive me, Lord, if sometimes I forget.
You know about the reasons that are hid.
You understand the things that gall and fret;
You know me better than my mother did.
Just keep an eye on all that's done and said
And right me, sometimes, when I turn
aside,
And guide me on the long, dim, trail ahead
That stretches upward toward the Great
Divide.'