A Cowboy Spirit

About the Book

This book is a compilation of a few of my "cowboy" poems. It is a diverse mixture of topics about ranching and cowboyin.' They vary from purely fictional, such as "Team Ropers From Hell" and "Another Hundred Years," to poems based on real experiences, such as, "Crossin' the Gila"„¦ and "The Dog Is Smellin' My Saddle." Some are inspirational like "Between the Doors," and "A Cowboy's Savior." Still others are more humorous, such as "There's A Cowboy At the Gate," "Leavin' Town," and "My Talkin' Horse" which fits in the "slightly weird" category along with one of my grandaughter's favorites "The Window." Rick Huff, a nationally recognized reviewer of Western Music and Cowboy Poetry recently gave this book a very enthusiastic review. He said "Hooker is ranch-raised and one heckuva poet, as he proves in 'A Cowboy Spirit.'" He went on to say, "This one is special. Make the effort to find it." "True West Magazine" chose "A Cowboy Spirit" as Best Western Poetry Book for 2014, in their January issue. I truly believe there's poems for everyone in my collection. I hope you find some you like.

About the Author

Born in Silver City, New Mexico I was raised on our family ranch on Bear Creek, near Cliff and Gila, New Mexico. I graduated from Cliff High School and Western New Mexico University. We raised Hereford calves we sold as yearlings. We raised our own Quarter Horses for the ranch work. We also farmed, growing alfalfa, oats, and permanent pasture. When the ranch was supporting too many families, I went to the Sheriff's Dept. where I rose to senior patrol sergeant. I've worked construction, truck driving, and at local copper mines, where I still work operating huge electric shovels. My relaxation is spending time with my daughters, Tammy and Sandra, family, and friends, working in my pasture, and writing poems. They encouraged me to compile this book. I hope you enjoy it. I recently began reciting my poetry to interested crowds. They seem to really enjoy it. I was pleased when "True West Magazine" named my book "A Cowboy Spirit" the Best Western Poetry Book for 2014.