The DJ speaks into the mic As the phone starts to blink, A listener calling in their likes. Phone hangs up with a ‘clink.’ Of course the record now playing Has a scratch that makes it skip, Over and over the needle dragging, Causing the DJ to bite panicked lip. More than once a cart…

Uncle shook his head sideways and asked, “Any idea where the hell they could be?” Then he clucked his tongue and his young gelding moved forward onto the trail. Tommy followed along behind him and said nothing. He had long come to realize that his Uncle was asking himself more than anyone else a question.…

During a usual visit to the Trees of Mystery’s in Klamath, California, ‘Babe the Blue Ox,’ greets everyone who stops in. But for the time being, a blue tarp is replacing the usual sight of the 35-foot tall statue’s head. A leak in the top of the Babe’s neck allowed water to seep into the…

During Seminary I did my best to avoid the “Book of Revelations,” in the Holy Bible. It has always left me frightened, with its imagery and such. But today, I am seeing it differently – realizing God had me stuck in that book for months on end so I could better understand what He wanted…

1971 Here I am, a bird, a gull. Yes! That’s what I’ll be. Upon rocks I shall sit or fly the oceans, free. Oh, but free. What is free? How far is free? I am not free. I wish to fly to the end of free! A gull, that is me, I am a gull.…

That cowboy hat looked handy, Solid brim and fancy trim, a dandy. It surely was the very best Handcrafting in all the West, But the tag said “Made by a Pakistani.”

The two cowboys had worked hard to corral the wild mustang. Several times it had charged the men as they worked to capture the beast. They took turns at the ropes as they struggled to get the animal properly tied to the stake. ”High spirited broom tail ain’t he,” said Rob in his Australian accent.…

Grampa said to me one day For a cheap hat I should pay. One without the fancy trim, Jus’ one with a solid brim. I should’a listened to Grampa, An’ through his eyes what he saw. But given my youthful age I didn’t hear the wise ol’ sage. Workin’ hard to dally ’round, Bringin’ cow-brutes…

1973 Thank God for the country With bird and beast, Blue streams running With trout for a feast. Still waters do run deep And also this here country. Its’ beauty is refreshing, Its’ waters are still free. Skies remain painted blue, Dotted white with clouds. Trees wave shades of green. Grasses, tiny golden crowds. Cattle…

The wind howled hard An’ carried my father’s voice. I did not want to listen Though I had no other choice. The winter blow comes bitter An’ chills me to my bone. I hear my father’s voice With his unmistakable tone. My horse paws the ground As the wind bites an’ howls. I push him…