"Charlie Russell's Trail" by Mike Puhallo.

"The Wagon Boss" by Charles M. Russell

Charlie Russell's Trail

Among the pictures of heroes and friends,
that I've hung on my office Wall,
Is a print of a painting made by Charlie Russell,
The best cowboy artist of them all !

The Wagon Boss, ( a French Metis)
Sits easy on his horse,
Watching Ox teams in the background,
on their winding up hill course.

Through the Missouri River Breaks,
from the crossing at Bent's Fort.
I can hear the Teamsters curses,
and the bullwhip's loud report.

Charlie Russell, like that wagon boss,
blazed his own trail through the West.
A path that many seek to follow,
Because Ol' Charlie did it best !

                                                                       And here's another Russell painting featuring a wagon boss,
                                                                 "The Jerkline".

About the author, MIKE PUHALLO

Mike Puhallo is the real thing! He has been a working cowboy, a saddle bronc rider, a packer, and a horse trainer. He currently ranches in partnership with his younger brother, so

both his writing, and speaking are very real! A lot of his poems and speeches are based on history which comes from being an avid student of the culture and history of the "real west"! Mike has been instrumental in establishing The BC Cowboy Hall of Fame, and has served four years as President of the BC Cowboy Heritage Society. Mike is a widely published Cowboy Poet as well as an MC, and an After Dinner Speaker!

Piled Higher and Deeper on the Cariboo Trail

Piled Higher and Deeper on the Cariboo Trail

Mike's latest book "Piled Higher and Deeper" received ( in 2002) the Will Rogers Medallion Award. In 2001 Mike was voted in for the third year in a row as one of the finalists for Cowboy Poet of the Year at the prestigious Will Rogers Awards, in Fort Worth, Texas. Mike was also nominated for Best Cowboy Poetry Book and Best Cowboy Poetry Album at the 2001 awards. In 1998 Mike was nominated for Best Western Song (Cinnamon) as well as Best Cowboy Poetry Book of the Year.
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          For further information about Mike's book and CDs, and to read more of his poems visit his web site.

                        http://www.twilightranch.com/mikepuhallo.htm