Christmas in Alberta

and in magazine issue December 2012/January 2013

Sure is pretty here tonight; excitement in the air, Busy shoppers hustle home through Central Park. The tree must be ten stories tall in Rockefeller Square A million lights are sparkling in the dark. It’s a fast-paced life I’m living–it’s first class all the way! Fancy office, fancy parties, fancy things. “I’m shooting for the …

Hanging Valley

and in magazine issue October/November 2012

We pushed our ponies ‘long the ridge What with the river running deep Current too strong to get across An’ us out scouting sheep We were way up on a hogback Where no trail ever went Getting up near timberline The horses might near spent We cursed the rocks that barred our way And packs …

The Old-Timer

and in magazine issue August/September 2012

He showed up in the springtime, when the geese began to honk; He signed up with the outfit, and we fattened up his bronk; His chaps were old and tattered, but he never seemed to mind, ‘Cause for worryin’ and frettin’ he had never been designed; He’s the type of cattle-puncher that has vanished now, …

City Cowboy

and in magazine issue June/July 2012

My nephew from the city spent the summer on the ranch He’d yearned to be a cowboy, and thought this’d be his chance He stayed out in the bunkhouse, that’s what real punchers do He learned to play some poker, and to spit, and swear and chew My sis would not be happy with the …