Al Marquis is the author of two cowboy poetry books: Frivolous Cowboy Poetry and Bucked, Bruised and Blackballed.
The phrase cowboy poetry almost seems like a contradiction in terms. We tend to think of poetry as elegant and polished whereas we generally regard cowboys as rough and crass. But this apparent incongruity is one of the reasons that cowboy poetry has become so popular.
Many of Al's poems are based upon experiences that occurred during his childhood, as he grew up with his two sisters on a ranch with horses and cattle in western Washington. Other poems relate to more recent events at his Kingston Ranch in Sandy Valley, Nevada.
Topics range from peeing on an electric fence to getting bucked off horses to ascertaining the causes of global warming (his wife's hot flashes). Books and CD's can be ordered at www.frivolouscowboypoetry.com. Al is now working on his third book. Here's a sample:
By
Al Marquis
Slim's wife was once a beauty;
Ive seen photos to prove it.
Now, when she sets her butt down,
It takes ... a backhoe ... to move it.
Up-top Annie looks quite normal
On a barstool drinking beer.
But three decades of consumption
Has all settled in her rear.
And Annie likes them sweets
Chocolate and butternut.
But in truth she might as well
Just tape them to her butt.
Annie's always sweet and kind,
Has a smile that'll melt your heart.
But with each new pair of jeans,
Her pockets get further apart.
Slim started keepin' track,
Used a yardstick to measure across;
But when that wasnt long enough;
The poor guy was at a loss.
So he went into the woodshed,
Looking for a new devise;
An axe-handle would do the trick.
Although he might ... have to use it twice.
No one teases poor Annie;
Nary a joke, a barb or a dig;
But we're tested when she asks,
"Does this saddle make my butt look big?"
Slim looks like Icabod Crane:
Lanky, skinny and tall;
It's funny to see 'em together,
Cause hes got no ass at all!
But he worships his lady;
All of her, even her fanny;
Every friend feels the same:
We love ... Axe-Handle Annie.
