Tales from the Trail
The Cowboy Poetry of Les McDowell
Les McDowell
Outskirts Press, Inc. 2009

Signed by the Author

From our Purveyor of Books:
I've been slow to embrace new technologies, even though I recognize their power. Facebook is one channel that OutWest is just beginning to access. You never know who you'll meet on Facebook. Cowboy Poet Les McDowell came to my attention through this new major form of communication. How fun to have a "new friend" who is an award winning Cowboy Poet!

When the box of books arrived yesterday, I was eager to spend some time with the world of Les McDowell. The book opened to this poem. It's heading caught my attention immediately, Dad's Hands. I love my Dad. When my thoughts rest on him, it's his hands I think of first. Hands that carve beautiful birds and decoys. Hands that squeeze lemons in just the right way to make the BEST lemonade. Hands that offer a firm, confident, memorable handshake. Hands that have held my Mom's hands for over 60 years.

His hands convey love in such a special way.

I wonder, Les, are our Dad's brothers?

Dad's Hands
Now most days he just sits in the shade.
Whittling on a stick with a freshly sharpened blade.

He has lived a lot of years.
He's seen it all and he has very little fears.

When he is whittling you can't help but notice his hands.
They're rugged and help tell the story of this man.

With them he had hammered and by the scars seems he missed a few nails.
They're always bruised and scabbed without fail.

They look dry and chapped and red and sore.
When he puts them together he can make angels sore.

For over fifty years those hands have always been there for the woman he loves.
They are strong but can be gentle as a dove.

With them he always worked hard but always had time to play catch under the garage light.
Though big and clumsy, they put together a kite.

Like book ends his hands hold the story of his life together.
If ever written the title would only be three little letters.
And those three letters would spell "Dad."
       ---Les McDowell, Cowboy Poet

What Others Say:
When Les put pen to paper it was more like poetry Americana, beith that although it didn't always rhyme, it had a charm of rural wisdom and a keen observation on values from a less complicated time.
    ---John McEuen, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Les McDowell has the soul of a cowboy and the heart of a poet. He writes about a way of life that is being crowded out as we rush to pave over paradise. But it will live on in memory and folklore thanks to cowboy poets like Les who remind us that the simple ways are the best. Here's hoping that all his future trails are happy ones.
    ---Walt Belcher, Tampa Tribune

Les McDowell has a rare and wonderful talent; with these poems I am instantly transported back to a simpler time. From dogs chasing my family car down a gravel road, to my grandmother's flowered apron, Les helps me relive those vivid but too often forgotten memories.
    ---Katie Cook, Television Host/Nashville, Tennessee

The art form called Cowboy Poetry is the best way we can express our feelings about the lifestyle we love and appreciate. Through his poetry, Les McDowell allows you to experience the sounds, smells, the sights, and tastes of the cowboy way of life. My hat's off to you cowboy.
---Red Steagall, King of Cowboy Poets

About the Poet:
As a CMA award-winning radio personality and Cowboy Poet, Les McDowell's poems have entertained audiences across the Country for over thirty years. From rodeo arenas to concert halls to stadiums, Lester has spun yarns and "waxed poetical" opening for some of the greatest names in entertainment. Lester will always be best known as a member of the Tampa Bay broadcast community where for three decades he woke up before the chickens to put a smile on the face and a poem in the heart of his listeners. Lester lives on forty acres outside of Tampa, Florida.

Soft bound, 121 pages.