FOLK COLLECTION 11: The Skaggs Foundation Cowboy Poetry Collection

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

4

Roger Ringer

Day's End

Darkness has fallen over the valley the cattle graze peacefully down there. The moon is rising over the hill, as the coyote sings his song of cheer.

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

5

Roger Ringer

Jesse's Trail

This trail was not new when it was staked...for generations many knew the way it made travel easier to take over the south central plains.

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

7

Roger Ringer

Tornado

It was hot! I mean downright oppressive at that. There weren't even enough breeze to shoo a gnat.

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

9

Roger Ringer

Annie Laurie

In an old saloon that last night feelin' a bit excited for what ahead of me lay...

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

11

Roger Ringer

Sheep's Clothing

He looked and talked the part A seasoned buckaroo with lots of heart He throwed his riata with competent grace He cinched up good and tight

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

12

Roger Ringer

Ole' Merle

Just the other day down to the cafe I was sittin' in on the Liar's Club many things of the past were discussed milkin', breaking sod, bucking broncs.

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

13

Roger Ringer

Kansans One-Liners

It gets dry in Kansas...how dry can it get? The label on the Coors can are all ricks cause the springs all dried up...

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

14

Roger Ringer

Garden Plain Nicknames

It's been said over in old Garden Plain that no one is ever satisfied with your given name.

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

16

Roger Ringer

Modern Cow Camp

Without a doubt in this here modern age Ranch life was surely going to change with all the newfangled trinkets and toys

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

19

Roger Ringer

A Cheap Barn

The rancher set down in the chair, looking a little nervous and upset. The banker looked worried and said, good to see you Jake, but what makes you fret.

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

22

Roger Ringer

Lonely Grave

Heard a tale from long ago 'bout a long forgotten grave in a windswept corner of Vinita Cemetery. A grave where no one goes.

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

24

Roger Ringer

Just Passin' Thru

Gettin' born in this world is like buckin' out for the first time on a bronc no one has ever seen...

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

25

Roger Ringer

Old Bill

The auctioneer said "sold" in a gravely voice and the Little Greenleaf to a new owner was passed. The end of an era and start of a new. As all things in this world are bound to do.

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

27

Roger Ringer

Grandma Holley's Stove

When I was no more than a pup on the farm I remember very well our neighbor folks Just down the road west... 'bout a half mile was a world of old machinery on which I loved to play.

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

29

Roger Ringer

Friendship

Friendship...is a peculiar thing... It's just not something you plan. You can't just up and say... I'm gonna befriend this woman or that man.

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

32

Roger Ringer

Five Acre Landlord

I've spent my whole life living in the country and loving every minute of it. But lately there seems to be a trend that I only half understand.

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

34

Roger Ringer

A Prairie Gathering

The sky was blue and the sun did shine on our gathering today. Some were not aware, even of the time, grief can rob us that way.

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

35

Roger Ringer

History

From time to time it happens to me... Someone will come up and say why? Why should it be so important to me... That the past be kept alive?

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

37

Roger Ringer

Kid Cowboy

He told his folks while just a lad, "I'll not be here long." They smiled and hoped it was a fad, "A cowboy's lot is where I belong."

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

39

Roger Ringer

When a Cowboy Hits Forty

When a cowboy hits forty things seem a bit strange. Seems that things that were, were and now everything seems changed.

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

41

Roger Ringer

The Day the Hero Died

Once in a while I get to be lazy on a Saturday morning. I sit in the recliner and turn on the farm report. In between Orrin and the Today Show there was this cartoon...

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

43

Roger Ringer

Poppin' Brush

Poppin' brush from dawn till dusk, Pushin' ole longhorns in for the gather... Dueling daily with horns that's sharp And the temperament of a fighter.

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

45

Roger Ringer

Ann Marie's County Fair Project

He didn't look like much just laying there hide, hair, and bone that only a mother could love. Wouldn't appear much like a champion layin' in the grass kind of lazy.

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

47

Roger Ringer

Foreboding

The sun did not come up this morning... It merely snuck into the town. The birds were all silent. The rooster made not a sound.

Cowboys, Plowboys, and Country Folk

FC 11 R-39

49

Roger Ringer

Arena Wreck

One evening down to the arena we were honing our roping skills. I throwed a few loops and popped a few brews and caught an awful lot of air.