A Piece of Cowboy Wisdom

"I had come to Elko for their annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering. A first-timer, I was neither a cowboy nor a student of cowboy poetry, but I'd been enjoying the performances and the friendly atmosphere among the ranchers, cowboys and the friends of cowboy culture. It was the second day of the festival and I'd taken a break to visit Capriola's, a place famous for its western gear. Just outside the store I couldn't help but notice a striking figure, the first and only black cowboy I'd seen so far. I had no idea I was looking at Jim Brooks, a cowboy legend. It didn't take long to decide I had to make this stranger's acquaintance. I was in for some real surprises." And so begins Richard Whittaker's encounter with Jim Brooks, who explores the windy roads and lessons from his off-beaten path.

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