“Reflection” named 2020 IWMA Cowboy Poetry Book of the Year!

ORDER “REFLECTION” NOW

$20 (plus $3 US shipping*) 

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Oregon horseman Tom Swearingen’s cowboy poetry is often inspired by his own experiences and observations from the saddle. He brings his poems to life with rhythm and rhyme and a style that makes him a popular performer at western music and cowboy poetry gatherings throughout the West. His award recognitions include 2019 International Western Music Association Male Poet of the Year. And now, 2020 IWMA Cowboy Poetry Book of the Year for “Reflection.”

 

Praise for “Reflection”

“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

 



“Oregon’s state tree is the Douglas fir. Scientific journals describe it as one of the most valuable timber resources in the country…important, strong, versatile…has few rivals…medicinal uses…roots are planted deep. Tom Swearingen’s roots go deep. When horse hooves hit the ground, when you crave a rootin’ tootin’ wordsmith who writes and recites to the rhythm of words and hoofbeats, you need look no further. Tom’s poetry is important, strong and versatile. It is good medicine. Our tribe of cowboy poets is lucky to have him in our midst. He is our Douglas fir tree.”

-Doris Daley, western poet, humorist, and author

 



“A quality offering from a quality human being.”

-Dave Stamey, singer/songwriter

Reflections

A collection of 46 of Tom’s most popular poems, with 32 illustrations by award-winning artist Elizabeth Zimmerman. 106 page paperbook.

ORDER “REFLECTION” NOW

$20 (plus $3 US shipping*) 

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Includes

Rhyme ‘Em Cowboy!
Language of the Land
Horses and Happiness
Reflection
One to Ride the River With
Ropin’ Mama’s Llama
In the Shadow of Tree Line
Teddy Franke is One Tough Hand
Rode Away Alone
Still Some Sun to Catch
Before Day’s End
Thurman the Beer Mule’s Dad Takes a Spill
Pendleton Round-Up Wagon Train Ride
Blessed to be Western
History and Pride
Only Place for Me
Oh No You Don’t!
Elk Hunting Fever
Ten Days in December
St. Paul Rodeo
Steens Mountain Cow Camp
A Few Lines for Oregon from a Grateful Native Son
Oregon’s Outlaw Henry Vaughn
Two Cells and Zero Hope
A Love Story You Can Take to the Bank
For the Coffee Creek Inmate Quilters
Cowgirl from Nantucket
Winter Pleasure Ride
Well, Howdy, Little Feller
Scotty’s Christmas Tree
When a Horse Hoof Hits the Ground
Bombproof Pinto Mare
Spot on Perfect Balance
Folks Who Do Know Horses
Nightwind. Gentle Spirit, Noble Soul
Someday
Quite Conversation
Just a Solitary Chimney
Keep ‘Em Moving Slow - Part 1 - Coming Storm
Keep ‘Em Moving Slow - Part 2 - The Morning After
The Mystery of Superstition Mountain
Dogies in Our Band
The Visit
Save
Replanted Roots
I Don’t Call Myself a Cowboy

 


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Contact tomswearingen@gmail.com for details for your location.