Category Archives: Photographs

In response to a request for my contributions to “Reflections of the West” I’ve posted “John Cutler’s Cowboys” that is also included in “Poems from Dry Creek.”

                    We at last struck a trail that has recently been cut
                    for the purpose of bringing in cattle. It is at an altitude
                    of 7,800 feet. Here is a succession of grassy meadows –
                    one called Big Meadow is several miles in extent.
                                        – William H. Brewer, 18 June 1864

I know the place
my grandfather’s grandfather found
to escape the drought, heard the voices

of his vaqueros when I got turned around
in the tight pines near Ellis Meadow – easy
to lose yourself and time altogether – feel

them close to the black rings of stone.
Up from Eshom where the Yokuts held
their last Ghost Dance that upset the settlers

in Visalia and over Redwood Saddle
to graze Rowell and Sugarloaf bunchgrass.
After nearly a hundred summers,

the cows knew the way.
It’s much the same once off the trail:
pine needle carpets and granite cut

by snowmelt creeks and green stringer
meadows, wind and river talking loud
enough to hear damn-near anything.

                                        ~

“Cloud Waves”

“Waiting for Daylight”

I am honored to have work included in the new collection from C. J. Hadley:

“Reflections of the West” is the sequel to “Brushstrokes and Balladeers: Painters and Poets of the American West,” which was called “stunningly beautiful,” “an eclectic masterpiece,” and “a brilliant concept flawlessly executed.” In 2014, “Brushstrokes” won the prestigious Wrangler award from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City and two Will Rogers Gold Medallions in Fort Worth for “best poetry book of the year.”

“Reflections of the West: Cowboy painters and poets” includes work from fifty-three poets and thirty painters, who were either born to the ranching life or have gifts extraordinary enough to be able to share it.

“Relfections of the West”

Kudos, once again, C.J.! A remarkably cohesive project worthy the livestock tribe for generations to come—a landmark publication blending art and poetry inspired in the West, truly a jewel among books. As part of a culture in your debt, I owe you more than thanks, but thanks so much nonetheless. 
– John Dofflemyer