A treasured memory ~ this refers to an incident that removed any doubt I might have had in the healing power of the drum.

Healing Power of the Drum

The Leader of this Untamed Band

A symphony played by pounding hooves
over grasslands of western plains.
Some are shod and some run barefoot
a drumbeat coursing through their veins.
And the wild ones, of mustang blood,
fly fast to meet the midnight breeze,
while saddled mounts of seasoned men
take their cues from spurs, bits, and knees.

The leader of this untamed band
knows there's safety toward the west.
Skyward slopes of Ya Ha Tinda
put calloused cowhands to the test.
The blue roan charges up a ridge,
froth forming upon heaving flank,
his herd is hard upon his hooves
as there's none there that doubt his rank.

The riders push to reach the crest
in pursuit of the wildling horde.
With sights set on the steel-blue stud
his bounty their goal and reward.
A thousand paid to man or child
whose rope settled over Zeus's neck.
Though Hades vowed to make it hell
for mortal man to cash that cheque!

On hind legs, the demon rises
calling out to his mares and foals.
'till winds gust like a gauntlet thrown
his challenge rattles cowboys' souls.
He turns his head, then changes tact,
racing back down the hard-gained ground,
toward the men who've pulled up rein,
undecided on where he's bound.

There's some might say that man rules all,
that the beasts must kneel to mankind.
But myths and legends are conceived
when the wild hearts can't be confined!
Blue Zeus is one whose legend grows
with each year that the grasslands green,
for he charged hard, then disappeared,
and like the wind was never seen.

To this day, wild horses roam free
up Ya Ha Tinda's tree-lined slopes,
and when crocus brave spring's cool air,
the cowboys' chests swell thick with hope.
Zeus genetics carry on still,
yearling colts prance step among the mares.
The legend of the devil roan
is seen yet in their blue-hued hairs.

December 17, 2023

The Leader of this Untamed Band

"It does not require many words to speak the truth" - Chief Joseph


Emotions are the colors that paint an otherwise black and white world. Through these pages its hoped that your day will be painted with a bit more color from my rainbow word-brush.

I was born into a ranching and rodeo family, have lived the life to some degree and while much of my poetry centers around the cowboy lifestyle, I do not consider myself a "Cowboy Poet". I do write about real life - the beauty, the hardships and the laughter.

I am an accountant by trade, and not so redneck as one might stereotype me to be, but I am fiercely proud of my country background and strive to portray the cowboy and others in real life situations and with real life humor and humility.

I have dabbled in poetry for many years. I strive to write on a variety of topics, however, as with most writers, I tend to write on what I know.

I know Nature, and I love to be consumed by her beauty. I know the winds, the mountains and the wide open prairies of home.

I know Cowboys. I was raised by one, grew up idolizing many and have spent enough time on the back of a horse to feel completely connected to the cowboy way of life.

I know Love. First love, lost love, pain and elation.

I know History. I study it, immerse myself in reading it. Particularly the history of the Native Americans.

These are the things that I write on. They are a part of who I am, who I was and what will remain when I am no longer here.

I was influenced at a young age by the writings of Robert Service, Banjo Patterson and Robert Frost, and therefore developed a love for rhyme and rhythm. A lot of my work tends to rhyme, although I do try to write some free verse and prose as well.
 
I am always looking for ways to improve my writing and would appreciate any constructive feedback on my poetry. I promise I won't be offended.

When my time has passed, and my breath has silenced, the mountain winds can carry my ashes over this wonderful land that I call home. I am Canadian by birth, Albertan by choice and a lifelong resident of the Rocky Mountains by destiny.

I hope you enjoy my writing.

Rory

The Leader of this Untamed Band

apoeticinjustice

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