Cowboy Poetry, ...As Twisted as Bob-Wire
by Ken Whitecotton

We are pleased to offer another of Ken's books featuring stories and legends of the old West told in his unique poem form. Featured are the good guys, desperados, the lonely ol' poke and the many women and children who helped carve out this captivating chapter of the Great American West. Perhaps one of these poems will remind you of a story to pass on.

Ken grew up on a little ranch in Northwest Colorado. He moved south to get out of the snow and cold. After nearly 30 years in law enforcement, he is now retired and writes about those 'good ol' cowboy days' in hopes the memories of that time will ne'er be forgot. And jist ask him—he swears he used ta ride for the Lazy O.

. . . As Twisted as Bob-Wire

Each night as those cowboys sat 'round the campfire,
They would tell tall tales, as twisted as bob-wire.
Shortly started with how he once roped a bear,
An' then the stories took off an' grew from there.

Lefty told how he once rode with Jesse James,
An' then spent his whole off-season robbin' trains.
A story that shorely made everyone moan
Was Doc's, 'bout him bustin' the Strawberry Roan.

Dandy swore he ounce owned owned a magical horse,
Could turn on a dime an' give ya' change, of course.
Whilst Red's stories left ya' feelin' fightin' mad,
Ol' Grump's were always somber an' very sad.

Yes siree, those 'Tall Tails' would go on non stop,
'Til along came those yarns they jist couldn't top.
They were the windiest that were e'er ta blow,
They were tole by that 'poke from The Lazy O.

April 24th, 1994

'T was on a cool brisk October morn
As the eastern sky brightened and a new day was born.
Coffee cup in hand, I gazed up at the fadin' stars
Hearin' the scurry o' critters, 'fore the noises o' cars.

The aroma of my coffee stimulated me.
I felt thet splash, too small ta see,
Dew droppin' from the tiny web of a spider.
I saw shadowy shapes morph as it became lighter.

The breeze through the aspens becoming song,
The call of roostin' quail, so vibrant and strong,
The golden salmon rays kissin' the tenor brook,
God's beauty surrounded me where'er I chose ta look.

I felt His promise for today.
My soul, my faith, renewed, ugliness washed away.
I enjoyed that shiver I felt in the cold morn's light,
Once again, I felt this word was right.