 |
|
|
Book Review Archives
Title: A Cowboy's Heart
Author: Larry Dudley
Publisher: Cowboy's Heart
Copyright: 2009
ISBN-13: 978-0615220451
Genre: Poetry
Book Size: 80 pages
Reviewer: Deborah Porter
Available Through:
Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Cowboys-Heart-Larry-Dudley/dp/0615220452
When I first received a copy of A Cowboy's Heart to review, I was expecting a collection of poems focused entirely on the cowboy lifestyle. A fairly understandable assumption, given the title of the book, and the cover certainly did nothing to dispel that impression. However, many of the poems in this book could have been written by anyone with a gentle and compassionate soul--and Larry Dudley most definitely has that. He also has a heart that hungers to live for God.
This heart is shown very clearly in his opening poem, Today's Prayer:
My prayer for today is simple
Help me put one foot in front of the other
Cherish each breath I take
Smile without reason
Live without conditions
Help those I am able
Give freely
Show grace abundantly
Forgive wholly
Trust in you always.
Although many of the poems are not specifically in keeping with the title of the book, there were some obviously inspired by life as a cowboy, and one story poem in particular stood out--The Bill, which was a very sweet and inspirational story of rebuilding an orphanage. Another, Frozen, tells the story of a cowboy laying down his life for two young people.
Mr. Dudley has broken his collection into sections: Our History; Story Time; Travelin' with God on a Bumpy Road; Life's Little Analogies; and Love's Journey.
A bonus blessing with this book is the delightful selection of illustrations throughout by talented sketch artist, Sandra L. Jones. Her artwork in A Cowboy's Heart definitely enhances the book greatly.
Although clearly revealing the author's compassionate, thankful and loving soul, the poetry is a little rough around the edges in places, with the meter somewhat inconsistent at times, and this may lessen the enjoyment of the book by some.
It is very obvious that Mr. Dudley has found great pleasure and release in writing his poetry. Through good times and bad, his poems reveal his personal journey through life. His readers may also find much of their own journey reflected there as well.
|
|
|
|
|
