“Sharing poems and songs about those aspects of our agrarian lives that were personal and deeply felt did a lot to humanize us,” writes Gail Steiger as he reflects on what cowboy poetry means and the connections it opens up.
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?”
"For my humanity, I turn to cowboy poetry," writes poet Jonathan Odermann in this ode to listening, healing, and the connecting power of poems shared.
“The Western Folklife Center will be forever in Daniel’s debt… that’s why we’re thrilled to tell you he won’t be straying too far.”
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?”
About attending the Gathering for the first time, Piper Wiest writes, “I realized, then, how being in the Gathering audience was a different experience than watching a Gathering performance on my computer. The lyrics and verses of any performer at the Gathering are moving and meaningful no matter the setting. But in person, the Gathering performances spark emotion throughout the audience, creating a collective warmth to share in.”
Western Folklife Center Board Member Kristi Overgaard (proprietor of Oniya Ranch) answered a few questions for us about her personal story, what draws her to the WFC, and why she thinks the WFC is important for everyone. For Kristi, it’s about culture, traditions, talent…and finding that different pace.
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?”
“I realize now, after reading and listening to many more cowboy poets last summer, that I’ve encountered aspects of the genre before. I grew up listening to my grandma tell stories about the weekly ranch happenings: a snake in the chicken coop, a cow on the front porch, a goat on the barn roof,” writes Piper Wiest as she blogs about her experience with the Western Folklife Center Archives.
This month, On The Edge poses a question at the heart of being a hand…and at the heart of being a human: “Describe a moment in your life when you found yourself on the edge, questioning how or why to continue. What inspired your actions, and what was the outcome?” From one hand to another, the poets share stories of balancing on the edge in life’s precarious moments.
After an impressive five-year stint as the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Manager, our dear friend Brad McMullen will depart Elko soon. We’re going to miss his thoughtful insights, steadfast even temperament, infectious laughter, and oh-so-handy tech skills. As a special treat, we gathered these pics of Brad on the job to celebrate five glorious and meaningful years with the WFC!
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?”
With weather-born disasters and rural resilience on our mind, we've re-shared Dee Davis’ Commentary: Things the Flood Takes. Dee is president of the Center for Rural Strategies and publisher of The Daily Yonder. He spoke on what draws people to rural communities during the 38th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
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