Wild and Woolly Western Verse

I have written most of the stories in rhyme, as that is my forte, it is the method in which can best paint the pictures intended. I have attempted, in most cases, to maintain a constant meter as I find that such a melodic cadence makes reading poetry much more enjoyable.

Some of the tales are true, and shouldn't be. Some are not true, but perhaps should be! All are meant to entertain and enlighten readers to a view of life from the perspective of someone who has spent his time on earth, here in the West, involved in a variety of pastoral pursuits.

You might call this work a ‘poetic buffet’ due to the variety of the subject matter. The ‘heavies’ are Sheepmen, Cowboys, Farmers, Ranchers, Miners and others telling of their adventures in and about this great western land, with subjects so diverse as Steam engines, Geology of the Rockies, Wild Horses, Rodeo’s, and even the “reckoned biography” of a molecule of water, while yet another attempts to explain “Time”.

They run the entire emotional gauntlet from ‘happy’, to ‘sad’, and everything ‘in between. Some suggest a bit of philosophy, some will glisten with 'horse-sense, while many are strictly for fun and enjoyment.

Includes a Special Supplement: Writing Cowboy Poetry

"Everyone should leave some sign of having passed this way!" With that in mind, at age 64, Jackson began his writing by documenting some of his early life's experiences in rhyme. As that material gradually dried up, looking for other story sources, eventually moved him on through the entire spectrum of western life, writing about such diverse subjects as Geology of the Rockies; Old Barns; building fences; Steam engines, "Molly Cule", (the 10 billion year life cycle of a drop of water); even development of a fictional character called Captain Baaa-a-a-d who saves baby animals from predators and other acts of valor as he dons his cape and mask to fight pastoral evil. Calling his work "Western Verse" rather than using the more restrictive title of "Cowboy Poetry."

As well as reciting at numerous poetry gatherings throughout the West, Sam has produced several shows and competitive events. Organizing a group of cowboy poets calling themselves Dogie Wranglers who, under a grant from Idaho Commission on the Arts, each year visit rural schools to teach and encourage student in the field of Cowboy Poetry. His latest venture (this being the eighth year) has been the production of the world's one and only "Cowboy Poetry Rodeo" held annually in the heart of Canyon Country at Kanab Utah. "Excellence through Competition" being the central theme.

Poet Sam A. Jackson's long-awaited book, Wild and Woolly Western Verse and other Sagebrush Yarns, cements his reputation as a

careful craftsman with a fine-tuned sense of humor and plenty of wisdom to dispense.

He accomplishes what he says in his introduction, that these poems "...are meant to entertain and enlighten readers to a view of life from the perspective of those spending their lives in the West..." Because of the vast range of subjects his work covers, Jackson pointedly calls his work "Western Verse" rather than "Cowboy Poetry."

His poetry often draws on his personal experiences, and the ease with which he shares his stories in verse seems as natural for him as breathing. That seeming ease is part of his gift, and also the result of the hard work of the meticulous polishing and extraordinary attention he gives to his writing.

In an introductory note, he tells about the summer he turned eleven, and the three following that found him alone, high in the mountains "...living in a tent and riding herd on twelve hundred head of range ewes and lambs-- About once a week Dad would show up with a string of pack horses bringing supplies and a bit of 'moral support.' Over the years circumstances prevented me from

visiting the old campsite, in the spring of 2003-nearly sixty years later--I again made the ride." Those experiences are the making of "The Reminisce," a first-rate example of his compelling storytelling abilities and his impeccable poetry.

Yes, he grew up on the family sheep ranch, and points out that he was ""the only sheepherder ever to serve as vice president of the Cowboy Poets of Idaho." One of his short, funny poems, "Comfort First," observes:

...

Cowpunchin's our trade, but we ain't afraid

when coziness comes into play--

To cut out the bull, admittin' that wool

outshines cowhide socks any day.

A number of his poems are widely known, including "Becky 'O,'" about a mustang mare with the traits of her ancestral Spanish "blooded" forebears, caught wild on Utah's west desert in the 1940's by his father. The powerful poem was put to music by acclaimed AWA/WMA musician Curly Musgrave and rose to the top of the Western Music charts. His "Real vs Real" takes on the

Hollywood Cowboy myths; "Wealth" is a wise and heartfelt tribute to Western life; and "My Pal Gus" takes a poke at poets, and one in particular who is severely "cut down" by his "egoectomy."

Jackson has more than a few poems about growing older, many with self-deprecating humor, and all with underlying sagacity. One poem about an old cowboy, "Surefire Signs," is as graceful as the earlier mentioned "The Reminisce." It begins:

The coat of my pony is growin' out long.

A change in the pitch of the prairie hen's song...

and ends:

He hires me back, knowin' well, come first snow

I'll head into town 'fore the bitter winds blow.

My annual migration, jist like them ol' deer.

A surefire sign, boys, that winter is near.

Nearly 70 poems in 166 pages are collected in a chapters such as "Frozen Tales," "Poetry for Reflection," "On the Lighter Side," "Scientific Musings" (with pieces such as "Time," "Wind," "Creation" and "Sheepherder Geology") and a first chapter, which shares the book's title. Pages of "poem narratives" include notes and asides on many of the poems, and this unique addition gives the reader more insight into the character of this readable, captivating poet.

A special feature, an essay, "Writing Cowboy Poetry," shares Jackson's wealth of experience on the subject. Those familiar with the annual CowboyPoetry Rodeo -- an event conceived and produced by Sam Jackson -- know his commitment to excellence, and he practices what he preaches. The essay isn't a sermon or an academic treatise. It is a practical and clear guide to writing better poetry.

Jackson makes a lasting contribution with this book. In his looks back, he avoids tedious nostalgia and finds a way to mine the essence of the past for wise, fresh, and valuable insights. His modern observations put today's West in clear focus. Throughout, his humor and flawless verse make for an enjoyable book that will appeal to a wide audience. It is a fine personal legacy and a gift to Western Heritage. ~ Margo Metegrano - CowboyPoetry.com

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