Michael Whitaker Cowboy Poet

11/02/2013

Michael Whitaker Cowboy Poet | Spoken Word | Buckley, WA

04/14/2013

Music, lyrics, videos, concert schedule, and more at ReverbNation.

03/20/2013

Just Around the Bend

The morning sun crests the hilltops as they sip upon a cup.
They eye the water drifting by in hope of skill and luck.
The blue sky starts to sparkle as they pull on their waders one by one.
It is a day upon the Tieton beneath the morning sun.

Fred paces in the water like a Great Northern Loon,
he prances and he dances so he and the river are in tune.
Brett stands back and chuckles at this ritual Grandpa lends,
then Fred casts his fly through the morning sky and lets it float around the bend.

“Let it drift right through that riffle”, he chatters off to Brett,
“These fish here are mighty chunky, I am sure to bet.”
“Quit picking on those puny trout”, Brett offers up a smile.
It’s just Grandpa enjoying life and showing off his style.

“Any fly will work, its how you present it that matters,”
Brett starts to grin amongst the morning chatter.
But there is no other place that Brett would rather be,
just he and Grandpa fishing on a river lined with trees.

Then there is a strike within the morning mist and now the fight begins,
the trout dances across the water, Fred follows it around the bend.
Brett makes his way to help out as Grandpa reels it to his feet,
“Big shoulders on this guy, it will be hard to beat”.

Is this a competition or just a way to pass life down?
It’s a grandpa and his grandson and a secret they have found.
They fish for many hours and until the last owl hoots.
Fred smiles and says “These fish have worn me out, help me pull of these old boots.”

“The sun is way too hot and the fish have gone too hide.”
Fred wades across the river and walks out with a sense of pride.
He lies amongst the sweet grass and pulls down upon his hat,
“I’m plum worn out from fishing, its best I take a nap.”

Just a day upon the Tieton, an old man and a kid,
Pursuing what they love the most and all that life can give.
It is Grandpa Fred and Brett just fishing life away,
creating a few more memories on a warm and sunny day.

Happy 95th Grandpa Fred!

Michael Whitaker
Brett Morrison

02/04/2013

Brick Cafe written and presented Michael Whitaker.

01/20/2013

"Words From The Barn"

Ike Mathers
Written and Presented by Michael Whitaker

Ike Mathers Written and Presented by Michael Whitaker

11/11/2012

I don't get to see or perform as much as I would like with my pard Skip Gorman but there are times he fills my thoughts. His music and those old time melodies fill up my heart and tonight is one of those nights. This is an old tune that he recorded many years ago and I blended one of my poem with this old cowboy song. Hope you enjoy!

11/07/2012

Warm William

Just pushin’ a herd amongst the red craggy peaks
Where the shade is welcome by that long shady creek.
The cattle are thirsty so we stop for a spell.
Then we all listened up to the stories he’d tell.

Now boys I’m old and my years are so few.
I’ve roamed over Texas but its Montana I grew.
I been ridin’ a saddle most of my life.
I’ve had many fine horses but never a wife.

Now Lord I do have a favor.
I hope that you’ll make it so.
Let me die in the summer ‘neath a warm Texas sky.
Don’t bury ‘neath that Montana Snow.

A month now behind us and we’re showin’ some wear.
Sleepin’ on the hard ground ‘neath the cool air.
The moon’s hangin’ high as I lay in my bed.
Then I listened close to the words that he said.

Now Lord I do have a favor.
I hope that you’ll make it so.
Let me die in the summer ‘neath a warm Texas sky.
Don’t bury ‘neath that Montana Snow.

It’s been many years since I‘ve rode with old Bill.
I remember his words and I think of them still.
I asked an old hand if Bill ever died.
He told me he’s buried ‘neath that warm Texas Sky.

Now Lord thanks for the favor.
Thanks for takin’ this ornery ol’ soul.
For lettin’ him die ‘neath that warm Texas sky,
Not ‘neath the cold of that Montana Snow.
Don’t bury ‘neath that Montana snow.

Music and Lyrics
Written by Michael Whitaker

11/02/2012

Music, lyrics, videos, concert schedule, and more at ReverbNation.

10/27/2012

Music, lyrics, videos, concert schedule, and more at ReverbNation.

10/22/2012

Music, lyrics, videos, concert schedule, and more at ReverbNation.

10/13/2012

A Moment

I nestle ‘neath a canvas.
Sip on some coffee with a nudge.
I gaze ‘cross this sun burnt ground.
Watch the dust turn into mud.

The long dry stretch has ended.
The summer quietly refrains.
Now I sit and watch the rain.

Ditch around the upper side.
I watch the water gather to a stream.
The horses find a tree to hide.
The day becomes a dream.

I’m sure it’s what God intended.
The days, they slowly wane.
Now I set and watch the rain.

The rain dowses my fire.
The day is coming to an end.
To my bedroll I retire.
Now the rain is filled with wind.

Somehow it settles me.
I close my wind burnt eyes.
Now I lay and hear the rain.

It’s a simple life I live.
Nature paints my path.
From the warm of the spring sun,
To the winter’s wrath.

It’s an untamed harmony.
I understand the whys.
Now I lay and hear the rain.

The morning sun fills up the day.
I watch the ground turn dry.
It’s time for me to make my way.
‘Neath a familiar sky.

The sun has now returned.
But I enjoyed the short refrain.
Thank God for autumn rains.

Michael Whitaker
October 12th, 2012