Barrel-racing daydream gave birth to Cowboy Up! poetry

July 9, 2015
Meet Kassidy Dennison, 2013 Indian World Champion Barrel Racer and proud member of the Navajo Nation! (Photo by & courtesy of Devyn L. Dennison)

Meet Kassidy Dennison, 2013 Indian World Champion Barrel Racer and proud member of the Navajo Nation! (Photo by & courtesy of Devyn L. Dennison)

I was standing next to the fence watching a young girl riding her horse barrel-racing, speeding around the arena, kicking up dirt and smiling from ear to ear.

I thought, I want to do that.  I want to be a rodeo-rider… and the first poem in Cowboy Up! came to me, right from that yearning.

Here’s a barrel racer many poems may be written about.

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Nancy Bo Flood

As a fish-brain surgeon or a rodeo poem wrangler, I have loved stories. I strongly believe that words – in poetry or prose – help heal our hearts and give us new eyes to see the world. I was first a research psychologist studying brain development at the University of Minnesota and London University before following my passion – writing for children. Learn more...