For years, Cowboy Poetry has been seen by readers of mainstream American poetry as a marginal art. Cowboy Poetry Matters is the first book of its kind to dispel this idea by creating a dialogue between contemporary mainstream poets and traditional Cowboy poets. Spurred by Dana Gioia's essay, "Can Poetry Matter?," Paul Zarzyski responds with "The Lariati Versus/Verses the Literati: Loping Towards Dana Gioia's Dream Come Real," a compelling essay in which an historical bridge is built between the urban contemporary canon and the rural pasture land. Cowboy Poetry Matters brings together the work of poets whose common ground is their love of horses and their dedication to their own style of "cowboying." Whether it be Maxine Kumin's depiction of her horse being shod, Linda McCarriston's haunting vision of Joan of Arc's horse burned before her eyes, or Laurie Wagner Buyer's song of "Wooing the Wanton Mare," this anthology expands the boundaries as to what constitutes a Cowboy poem. Those who do not consider themselves lovers of traditional Cowboy Poetry, will be utterly surprised by what they find inside: Donald Hall, Wallace McRae and Buck Ramsey riding their horses side by side by side.
Robert McDowell, The Poetry Mentor, believes that everyone is born with a soul-poem, the prayer-song that awakens each hero's journey, tells each person's unique story, and connects one to divinity. He navigates his life through poetry, and he teaches others to do the same.
Author/editor/translator of ten books of poetry and prose, McDowell has said of his work, "I don't preach, promote one religion over another, psychoanalyze, prescribe drugs, or promise you wealth in (pick your number) easy steps. I can show you how writing poetry and journaling enriches your family life, relationships, and job performance. I can show you how fun writing can be. If you have a specific project you'd like to do (a book of poetry, stories, memoir, family history, essays), I can draw on my experience as a publisher and editor of 250 books to get it done. I teach workshops that benefit everyone--beginners and longtime authors. I'll read your poems and listen to your stories. I'll give honest feedback and compassionate encouragement. I'll stick with you."
McDowell is a sought-after public speaker on a variety of topics from Neurotheology, the hero's journey, and the soul-poem of work to the guide of the spirit horse and living a life of integrity and awareness. He has led workshops at Esalen, Kripalu, Pine Manor Retreat Center, California Poets-in-the-Schools, and many universities and writing conferences here and abroad. He created the community outreach program, The Rural Readers Project, and was co-founder of Story Line Press, which he led as director and editor for twenty-two years.
