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Show THE WRITING TRADITION Not long after such nineteenth century western periodicals and newspapers as the Stock Growers' Journal in Miles City, Montana and The Arizona Globe began including cowboy poetry in their publications, some of the more prolific poets independently published collections of their own work. Chittenden's Ranch Verses (1893), Clark's Sun and Saddle Leather (1912), Chapman's Out Where the West Begins (1916), and Fletcher's Rhymes of the Roundup (1917), were among the early, one-author anthologies of cowboy verse. According to Montana folklorist Mike Korn, these books were generally produced by vanity presses and were often small format editions that could be easily carried in a cowboy's "war bag" or would conveniently fit into the drive pocket of his chaps. In addition to poetry, some of the books were illustrated with detailed pen-and-ink drawings of cowboys, horses and cattle in range or ranching scenes. Among the most famous of these early artists was Charles M. Russell, who not only illustrated his own book of poems, but went on to become one of America's most famous western artists. Although printing costs still make it impossible for the majority to publish their work, Utah's cowboy poets continue to find ways of sharing their writing. A number of poets read or recite their work, informally for small gatherings of family and friends, or at larger community events. For some, poetry is a primary means of communication and their letters, notes or other correspondence consist, almost entirely, of rhymed verse. For others, poetry is something that is hand-copied or typed and sent to cowboy friends in other locations, providing a means of maintaining contact and friendship with those who share similar experiences. And for still other Utah poets, who compile scrapbooks and collections of poems intended for an audience of children and grandchildren, cowboy poetry serves an important autobiographical function. Yet whatever the motivation for writing and wherever the poems are shared, the work of Utah's contemporary cowboy poets is part of Utah's cultural heritage. As such, it will continue to reflect the state's western lifestyle. Cowboy Poetry From Utah 69 |