How to Become a Cowboy Poet

Cowboy poetry has become a popular American art form even though it came from a decades-long oral tradition of tall tales and folk songs mostly from ranch workers and cattle drivers. While purists may disagree, these days you don’t have to be a real cowboy to be a cowboy poet. Some cowboy poetry is of an historic nature while others reflect contemporary cowboy life. I first found out about cowboy poetry from Alan Sacks, a television exec friend who had produced a documentary special on The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering held yearly in Elko, Nevada. He also produced the children’s series “Riders in the Sky” based on cowboy music and the storytelling tradition.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Writing/performing talent
• Computer
• Internet connection

How to Become a Cowboy Poet

1. Attend the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. The 2008 Gathering will be held from January 26 through February 2.
   
   This big kahuna meeting of cowboy poets was founded and is sponsored by the Western Folklife Center in 1980.
2. For starters, go to a public library and read poetry by the likes of Buck Ramsey, NPR’s Baxter Black, and an old master Arthur Chapman. If your local library doesn’t have cowboy poetry, order some books.
3. Listen to cowboy poetry readings online sponsored by the Western Folklife Center.
4. When you start to feel inspired, start writing.
5. Participate in the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering as a poet.