Poetry Book of the Year!
A collection of 46 of Tom’s most popular poems, with 32 illustrations by award-winning artist Elizabeth Zimmerman. 106 page paperbook.
“To write good cowboy poetry there are ingredients that are must haves. It starts with a good idea or story. You want to engage the reader. Make it worth their time to read.
It must reek of authenticity, the writer might be introducing the reader to the cowboy life and genre. The story should be told in the right order for easy mind pictures.
If quoting, the language should fit the time period and region and the persona of the character.
Stay away from movie and TV clichés.
The rhyme and meter should roll effortlessly and properly.
Tom has taken the time and put in the work to learn the craft.
He sprung into the poetry world seamlessly and has taken a seat among the best appreciated and enjoyed of the cowboy poets.
I’ve enjoyed watching him grow as an entertainer and writer.”
-Waddie Mitchell, buckaroo poet, co-founder National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
"Here’s a superb gathering of poems by a master wordsmith and all-around great guy. The poems are totally candid, positively well crafted, and will ring true for aficionados of tasteful humor and heartfelt, thoughtful poems that will leave a glow in the hearts of listeners and readers. Tom’s honesty and delightful personality gleam throughout."
-Juni Fisher, WILLA Literary Award Finalist, horsewoman, award-winning singer/songwriter
2022 and 2019 International Western Music Association Male Poet of the Year.
Tom Swearingen tells stories of the people and land of the American West through original cowboy poetry that is often inspired by his own experiences and observations from the saddle. Some are humorous, others serious, and all entertaining. Tom brings his stories to life with rhythm and rhyme and a storytelling style that makes him a popular performer not only at cowboy gatherings and horse camps, but at libraries, historical centers, and wherever else you find folks who appreciate the cultural heritage of the West.
Tom and his wife live in Tualatin, OR and can often be found riding their horses in Oregon’s backcountry.
Now Available! Tom’s 3rd CD … Language of the Land
As with his first two CDs, which were also International Western Music Association Cowboy Poetry CD of the Year Finalists, “Language of the Land” was professionally recorded during a live concert performance. It includes fourteen original poems plus an introduction and bonus recitation of a Bruce Kiskaddon classic. “Language of the Land” spent several months at #1 on the Western Radio Charts, and was a finalist for 2019 and 2020 IWMA Cowboy Poetry CD of the Year.
“Cowboy Poetry CD of the Year” Finalists!
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