Horse Daze,
A Lighter Look
at Cowboys and Horses
authored by Harold Roy Miller,
reviewed by Nancy J. Reid

Written in the true "git 'er said" simplicity of a cowboy, Horse Daze is a collection of poems with plenty of irony and humor poking through. Right away, you have to like the author and his down to earth style. Harold is not afraid to laugh at himself or let the world peek inside his personal life. His journey becomes your journey as you read through the stages of his life as a cowboy and husband. The truth of living close to the land becomes apparent, both the challenging side and the reward side.

This is an easy read that will make you smile and nod your head as you will find yourself relating to his "now what have I got myself into style", quick wit, and talent for saying things straight out. One of my favorite poems is Flight of the Phoenician. The addition of a photo completes the story.

The book is divided into stages with accompanying photos by Patty Hager which are added here and there so that you can become acquainted with the "players". It is definitely a book for horse and cowboy lovers, and anyone enamored with country living.

To listen to an interview with Harold from our online radio show 'Champagne Sunday's' and hear him recite a poem, please double click on the Play Button below:

Mustang Band

Up in the pinions that cover the high land
I came upon a wild mustang band.
There were six rangy horses grazing out there,
courting the stallion and the lead mare.

I stood and stared at the beautiful sight.
There were two roans, three bays and one black and white.
The big muscled stallion stood perched on a rise
and he followed my every move with his eyes.

Then somehow he signaled to the lead mare
in a language that only wild horses can share.
She turned and led the herd up a winding trail
and her movement broke my hypnotic spell.

I admired their surefootedness and survival skills
as the followed the boss mare up the rocky hills.
The stallion was last as he brought up the read;
it was a protective maneuver, and not out of fear.

It was an inspiring scene to watch the band flee
but wistful, melancholy feeling overwhelmed me.
The mustangs, like the cowboy, symbol of the old west,
drifted into the sunset and vanished over the crest.

©Harold Miller

To contact Harold Roy Miller or to purchase his book ‘Horse Daze – A Lighter Look at Cowboys & Horses’, call (775) 629-0789 or send him an email at handdmiller@pyramid.net