In this month's Ask a Cowboy Poet column, the cowboy poets talk about a person who is part of their Cow Town State of Mind community alongside their family and crew. And, we want you to answer the question too!

This month, the cowboy poets discuss their pre-show rituals that help them reign in uncertainty and corral confidence as they answer the reader-submitted question, “Do you have any habits or superstitions that are part of your pre-performance routine?”

This month, the cowboy poets give tips and tricks for wrangling rhymes as they answer this question, “How do you find your rhyme? Are there any tools or tricks that you turn to when the rhymes aren't coming?”

This month, the cowboy poets gather some of the most meaningful moments from their time in Elko as they answer this question asked by Feeling Nostalgic, “Could you describe a uniquely memorable moment you experienced at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko?”

This month, the cowboy poets describe their observations of the fall season as they answer this question posed by Feeling like Fall, “How does the land, and the animals you surround yourself with, change as the days get shorter and darker?”

This month, the cowboy poets whittle down a wide question about their writing as they answer this quandary asked by @carteagraphy, "How do you distill the vastness of the vistas you encounter into the slim space of a poem?"

This month, the cowboy poets mull over a dilemma “as old as human fingernails” as they answer a question about transition planning for generational ranches.

This month, the poets describe their “heaven on earth” as they answer this question asked by Anonymous, “What is your favorite place on Earth?”

This month, the poets are asked a question by another poet. Jonathan Odermann asks, “"When inspiration strikes...what is the silliest, strangest, or otherwise most unconventional way you've managed to record a poem before it escaped your consciousness?"

Tipping over horses, caving in the sides of pickups, and charging to kill. While most range cows get ornery every once in a while, some of them become legendary for their temper. This month, the cowboy poets answer Cowpoke’s question, “What’s a story about the most ornery cow you ever came across?”

This month, the cowboy poets reflect on the crucial sensory ingredients that combine to make memorable poetry as they answer this question posed by @carteagraphy: “How much do you think about the sound/music versus the imagery of your poem?”

This month, the cowboy poets discuss artistic license in poems as they answer a question posed by The Man Who Didn’t Shoot Liberty Valance: “Could you comment on how you approach decisions about taking artistic license in your writing? Also, could you comment on any historical poems you’ve researched where you’ve found the legend has outpaced the truth or the truth is in fact stranger than fiction?”

Whether they’re herding, heading, guarding…or sharing a beer at the end of a long day…some dogs just make an impression. This month, the poets reflect on the cattle dogs (and companion dogs) that have come their way, answering Crazy About Canines’ question, “Who was the best canine companion you ever had the pleasure of working with?”

This month, the cowboy poets talk about that rarest of cowboy words…vacation!…in answer to Seeing the World’s question, “Where are some of your favorite destinations cowboy poetry has taken you to?”

This month, the cowboy poets share “endearing lines” that have stood out to them, garnering affection in their memories and their hearts. Wishing I Had Written That writes, “‘Endearing lines seem to surface in all great poems. Their importance is immediately recognizable and often compels one to commit them to memory. Could you comment on a few specific lines from a poet whose work endeared themselves to you?”

This month, the columnists shoulder a weighty question about the knowledge imparted through learning “old-fashioned” skills. They seem in agreement that such skills aren’t “old-fashioned,” but rather, as Bill might say, simply “mind-boggling” to most.

This month, Over-Worked asks a line-blurring question about "work-life balance" in agriculture. And, the poets pinpoint those special somethings that bring polish and shine to the grind of ranch work.

We’re turning the tables with a poet’s-choice question. This month, what was one question became many when Curious but Courteous asked the cowboy poets, “What question would you like to be asked?”

It’s a riddle of rhythms. How much does a horse’s rhythm share with a cowboy’s poetry? And how much does a cowboy share with their horse? Read on for the pros’ answers to this month’s question from Instagram follower @carteagraphy, who asks, “Does your horse's gait affect your writing, and do you read out loud to your horse?”

This month, @fordthejord on Instagram asks, “How do you approach editing? Is a poem ever really done?”

This month, the poets reply to Fern from Ferndale, who asks “How is the current weather situation affecting your spring chores on the ranch? Do you have a favorite spring poem to share?”

This month, we asked Virginia Bennett which poems she might’ve shared if she’d been on stage during the Ask a Cowboy Poet live show.

Hopeful in Yellowstone asks “As you reflect on the past year and look forward to 2023, what are your hopes for the New Year? and do you have any resolutions or lessons learned or traditions that guide you this time of year?” And, the poets answer with their unique brand of hope.

This month, Putting Myself Out There asks how to put their poems out there to see if they’re any good. We’re at the edge of our seats for this one!

City Slicker asks the poets to “tell us how this time of year on the ranch reflects in your poetry? or in your favorite poems?” Read on as they explain why fall is all the rage with the ranch literati.

An anonymous ask has the panel of poets addressing a defining question—just exactly what constitutes a “cowboy” poem? And how does Robert Service fit into all of this?

The poets are taking us on a trip down memory lane. As they relive their first experiences at the Cowboy Poetry Gathering (now the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering), they also reflect on what the Gathering means to them and to cowboy poetry…and, of course, invoke characters and friends wrapped up in Gatherings past.

Being in the right spot, with the right tools. That’s half the trick, isn’t it? This month, On the Road Again asks the poets a practical, instrumental question: “What writing tools do you use at home? What about when you are on vacation or out on the range?” And they respond with words and photos!

Last month, the poets faced a tough ask about the classics. This month, they grapple with the follow-up question, “What three poems do you think should be considered “new classics” that every cowboy poet (or cowboy poetry lover) should know? What’s the difference to you between classics and new classics?”