She Speaks to Me: Western Women's View of the West through Poetry and Song

by Jill Stanford

In this collection are the poems of cowgirl poets who are regulars at the numerous state, local, and national cowboy poetry gatherings that happen throughout the year. There are a few songwriters as well—after all, their songs are simply poetry set to music. Some of the poets have never been published and were shy about being included but the true poet is always, just under the surface, eager to have her voice heard. Why else would she go to the trouble? The poets and songwriters featured here were quick to respond to the invitation to be included. In “true Western fashion”, they saddled their fast ponies and galloped in with their poetry and lyrics for your enjoyment.
Gifted photographer Robin L. Green chose the captivating photographs to accompany these lovely verses and songs. She captures the stark, lush, brutal, gentle and ever-changing western landscape and the creatures that inhabit it (including intrepid humans) in all sorts of weather—harsh or gentle—like no other.

176 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2016

Reviews

[Jake Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Often sweet, and references some of what I love about growing up out west. That said, the featured poets offered a remarkably uniform perspective - at times I felt like I was reading about a fantasy version of the west, all nostalgia for a mythic near past with very little meaningful reflection.