Somewhere in the West
Texas Women Who Left a Legacy
Poems and Legends
by Linda Kirkpatrick

Her funny-sad poems and stories reflect West Texas life, past and present. Widows of the Alamo, a woman born to slavery who fooled the military, women captured by the Indians, and Indian women captured by the army are only a few of the well researched histories. What book about legends would be complete without tingling ghost stories? Special Christmas poems for old and young alike, topped off by a short history of the Kirkpatrick family. Enjoyable reading, not only for those living in West Texas, but for all who enjoy history. This 151-page soft-cover book, complete with original drawings and photos, is available for $12.95.

Whether it be a hand at the pen (writing implement) or in the pen (working stock), Linda's experience has allowed her to capture the life and heritage of the West. This collection of her poems and stories will, most certainly, rank highly in the minds of our future generations when they explore the lifestyle of the cowboy, our American heritage and roots.
— Jim Fish, Cowboy Poet Junction, Texas

Linda's book is a great volume for everyone who appreciates western heritage and cowboy culture.
— Alvin Davis, Chairman, National Cowboy Symposium & Celebration, Lubbock, Texas

The stories of the early women of West Texas begin with a poem followed by their historical ledgends.

Cathay Williams

In a tiny shotgun cabin,
Martha's baby girl was born.
A baby, born to slavery
who no one could forewarn.
But Cathay Williams was determined and
never was deterred, Beginning her life as a house girl,
being seen but never heard.

Then the Civil War broke out
and the Union soldiers came
And taking Cathay with them
her life would never be the same.
Cathay learned the ways of military life,
became an accomplished cook.
She was sent to General Sheridan,
a job she proudly undertook.

Then the Civil War ended
and Cathay was finally free
And in seeking out her freedom,
she found her place in history.
Her own way she wanted to make
and a burden to no one be
So as a Buffalo Soldier
she joined up in the 38th U. S. Infantry.

Cathay Williams became William Cathay
and no one was to know
The secret of her identity
as a soldier she did grow.
The troops moved west to Ft. Cummings,
to keep the Apache at bay.
There were 101 enlisted men, among them William Cathay.

After two years as a Buffalo Soldier
in the 38th Company A,
William went to see the doctor
and her secret came out that day.
Discharged as a Buffalo Soldier
Cathay did her very best,
As she continued to make her way
in this land we call the West.

Because of her illegal enlistment,
her pension passed her by
But she picked herself up
and moved on never questioning why.
Life ended for Cathay Williams
at the age of eighty-two.
She lived a long independent life
a life that was tried but true.

So a salute to Cathay Williams
the hero of this rhyme
A special woman of the west
and a legend in her time.

This poem was another 8 Second winner on Omar West's Bar D web site. It was read by Omar West at Politicalfest in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the Republican Convention in July of 2000. Frank, Joe and Linda of the group The Cowboy Sunset Serenade, were thrilled beyond words when they were invited to help celebrate the founding of the Buffalo Soldier divisions. At the time of their founding these units were not known as Buffalo Soldiers, this name came at a later time. This celebration took place on the steps of the state capitol in Austin, Texas. Linda stated she was very honored to present this poem and to immortalize the life of Cathay Williams.

The book includes poems for all ages as well as ghost stories and a short history of Linda's own family.

The Little Cowboy's Prayer

Dear God, this is my prayer before I go to sleep,
Can I just talk with you awhile,
Instead of counting sheep?

God, please bless this things that are special to me.
My mom, my dad, my lariat rope,
And especially bless Thee.

Bless my friends, my horse, my dog and my cat.
Bless my saddle, spurs, and don't forget
To bless my brand new hat.

Dear God, are you a cowboy?
Can you make that eight second ride?
Do you ride with all the cowboys when they say "Outside!"?

Thanks for helping with my reading, and especially my math!
And God, please tell my mom
That cowboys don't take baths!

This 151-page soft-cover book, complete with original drawings and photos sells for $12.95.
ISBN 1-931725-01-2