How to Write Cowboy Poetry
Commonly misunderstood and seriously stereotyped, cowboy poetry is a mystery to most mainstream audiences. However, cowboy poetry represents a deeply sensitive, intelligent, gritty and centuries-old genre. Test your own skills as a cowboy poet by following these steps.
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Instructions
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Find a purpose for your poem. The most important part of writing cowboy poetry is conveying a message to the reader. Many cowboy poems have universal messages that many can relate to but they specifically reflect the culture of the American West. For example, this kind of poetry might talk about the hardship of working a cattle drive or the kinship a man feels toward his horse.
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Create rhymed, metered verse. The majority of cowboy poetry is evenly paced and rhythmic. There is no specific required meter. Here is a stanza from poet Darrell Arnold's "Summer Sky." Notice how the stanza keeps a smooth pace and rhymes:
"Only minutes, then it's over.
Once again, the air is clear,
As the thunderhead rolls onward to the plains;
And against its passing darkness
Gleams a rainbow, arching high,
Adding glory to the welcome summer rains." -
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Use original images and ideas. Cowboy poetry relies on the use of fresh images to keep the genre alive. Themes can be recycled 100 times over, but you should avoid cliches, such as "the big blue sky" or "a bone-chilling cold."
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Rehearse your poem aloud. Cowboy poetry is an oral tradition that must be shared through the spoken word. Many cowboy poems mimic the natural rhythm of horseback riding. Read what you've written and try to hear a clip-clop, clip-clop or similar beat in the lines.
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Read cowboy poetry. There are anthologies full of poems written by famous poets and little known ranchers. The more you read, the easier it will be to conceptualize the creation of your own cowboy poetry. Stop by a bookstore with a diverse inventory or search an online book retailer.
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Tips & Warnings
Contrary to popular belief, cowboy poetry doesn't talk only about the Old West. These poems often deal with contemporary issues, such as the rural West's struggle to adjust to the rapid pace of technological change in the U.S.
For assistance and inspiration, consider attending a cowboy poetry festival. Check out the site cowboypoetry.com (see Resources below) for more info.
