Chris lsaacs here offers a collection of poetry that will warm the heart and open many insights into the lives of his friends in the ranching West. Chris is a careful observer, a compassionate participant, and a true friend to all the unique characters portrayed in these stories. The joy of cowboy poetry for those of us who do not work horseback is found in the carefully crafted looks into the true lives of westerners. Chris's poetry satisfies, entertains, inspires, and teaches: here you can learn "when not to swear and where not to spit." Here you can also discover the deep reverence of this exceptional poet for his Arizona roots, his family, his friends, the animals around him, and his Creator.
— Warren Miller, Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott, Arizona

Chris chronicles the world and life of a people transfixed by the lure of cow works, remuda, and pack mules. Reminiscent of uncut diamonds, each episode reveals a gem of human existence, explaining why his way of life holds many of us in its thrall.
— J. B. Allen, Cowboy Poet, Whiteface, Texas

The American Heritage Dictionary defines sincere as: presenting no false appearance, clean, pure, and genuine. This is Chris. He is sincere in his love of God, family, country, friends, and his heritage. His writing is sincere, but it couldn't be anything else, simply, because Chris is sincere.
— Curt Brummett, Cowboy Humorist, Canyon, Texas

Recipe for a Cowboy Poet

Start with a cowboy
Add a bucket of intelligence
A barrel of wisdom
A lifetime of experience
A lot of salt
A dash of wit
A sprinkle of irony
Mix together Expose the heart
Add special ingredient
     (personality and philosophy)
Just water enough to bind
Knead and stretch to the limits,
Bake it in the sun for at least thirty years.
Serve in large doses, or small, as required.
I know this recipe works,
'cause I got it by examining Chris Isaacs.
— Waddie Mitchell, Cowboy Poet, Elko, Nevada

Arizona's own Chris Isaacs has been described as the "real deal" in the cowboy world. Rodeo cowboy, working cowboy, guest ranch manager, horseshoer, and packer have all been part of Chris's education and employment. He says, "I've been blessed. With a few time outs‰ between cowboy jobs, I've pretty well been able to keep my hand in the cowboy lifestyle. In truth, I've never wanted to be anything else."

He started writing poetry in the early 1960s for friends, family, and himself. When the first Cowboy Poetry Gathering was held in Elko in 1985, Chris wanted to participate, but talked himself out of it. "I was sure nobody would want to hear my stuff." It wasn't until 1993 that he finally found the nerve to get on stage and give it a try. "I was hooked," he claims, and the rest is history. He has been the recipient of two Academy of Western Artists Will Rogers awards: the Rising Star in 1996, and the following year his third album, "Both Sides," was voted Best Cowboy Poetry Album of the Year by the AWA. He has been fortunate enough for the last couple of years to make a good share of his living as a cowboy poet, traveling from coast to coast and into Canada to perform. "I love performing, and it has been a blessing to us in many ways, but mostly because of the many wonderful friends we have made along the way."

Chris is currently living in Eagar, Arizona, in eastern Arizona's beautiful White Mountains with Helen, his wife of thirty-three years. "Life is good. I've got a great wife and family, I'm in pretty good shape for an old feller, and I'm doing what I love to do. It don't get no better than that, folks!"

www.chrisisaacs.com

CHRIS ISAACS
Cowboy Poetry: Rhymes, Reasons, and Pack Saddle Proverbs

Price$19.95
ISBN 0-9662091-6-8