Cowboy

from a photograph
my heart opened
to the twinkling eyes
of a cowboy poet with a curious grin

his face like a well travelled road map
camouflaged by whiskers
bleached from decades
slumbering under moonlit nights

his soul
tangible
even though disguised
under his well worn stetson

his aging body
knotted with strength
graciously humbled
by the wisdom of his years

but it’s the words
his words that inspire the heart
like lying down next to a campfire
looking up and conversing with a cluster of stars

his poetry
passionate and poignant
penned
from the depth of a sage

i know him not
nor of his story
but forever touched
by his verses swaddled in courage