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About From the Ground Up
The official program description:
TJ believes that the preservation of our western and cowboy culture is very important.
TJ uses the art of cowboy poetry to pass on to future generations the same strong morals and values that he was fortunate to be raised with. His belief that kids need to learn that they are a very significant link of preserving our western American heritage is a lesson that TJ mixes in while teaching cowboy poetry.
"I believe in our roots and heritage," says TJ, "I've got a story to tell. We all need to stand up and protect the traditions and legacies we've inherited. I want to be an image for kids to look up to, and hopefully instill in them this same love of country and customs I know and respect. Without our heritage, our children lose focus. Without our children's focus, we lose our world."
With this in mind, TJ's main objective is to utilize the natural talent and imaginations of kids and give them confidence to believe in themselves while learning how to express themselves through cowboy poetry.
Top Poems
TJ Casey chooses the best poem from each class that he work with in each school and posts it on his web site. TJ says, "There are some very talented students and it is not an easy choice, for all the students are winners!" Following are the poems TJ has chosen as the "top overall" poem from each school. The most recent are posted first:
My Native Land
by Joanne - 7th grader
Poplar, MontanaOld Stories
by Miranda - 7th grader
Shishmaref, AlaskaThe Way it Used to Be
by Frieda - 8th grader
Shishmaref, AlaskaFamily History
by Abbey - 8th grader
White Sulphur Springs, MontanaThe Wild Horses of the State
by Dillyn B. - 5th grader
Ojibwa Indian School of Belcourt, North DakotaTowards the Sun
by Danielle - 8th grader
Eureka, MontanaMontana's Nature
by Barbara C. - 5th grade
Columbia Falls area, MontanaCrazy Eyed Cow
by Abbey G. - 6th Grade
White Sulphur Springs, MontanaBreeds of Horses
by Taylor N. - 4th Grade
Williston, North DakotaGallopin'
by Evan - 4th Grade
Williston, North DakotaCalves
Jaclyn L. - 7th grade
Williston, North DakotaThe Dusty Trail
by Ben R. - 6th Grade
Lima, MontanaOn The Ranch
by Jaime, Andria, and Brynn - 4th Grade
Langdon, North DakotaPorcupine
by Reese J. - 7th Grade
While Sulphur Springs, MontanaThe Big Horns
by Ashley W. - 5th Grade
Noxon, MontanaMy Horse
by Ben D. - 6th Grade
Crosby, North Dakotauntitled
by Will - 8th Grade
Plevna, MontanaThe Tagger
by Whit W. - 6th Grade
Winnett, MontanaSunrise, Sunset
by Emma G. - 6th Grade
Ekalaka, Montanauntitled
by Daylon - 5th grade
Superior, MontanaA Cowboy's Job
by Joe S. - 8th Grade
Baldwin, North DakotaMaking the Pay
by Lat W. - 10th Grade
Roberts, MontanaThe Old Man
by Devin D. - 11th Grade
Drummond, Montana
Goats
by Sarah Z. - 8th Grade
White Sulphur Springs, MontanaWild Horses
by Lori S. - 7th Grade
Colstrip, Montana
My Native Land
The eagles soar above us,
in the clear blue air,
I love being Native
there's something I want to share.
I know my land is free
it's Native pride and so,
sometimes people die
but our pride will show.
Look at the green grass,
and our Mother Earth.
I respect my Natives
its something that's all worth.
I love my Native land
it will always be ours
respect my precious Natives
I wish upon a star.© 2008, Joanne
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
Old Stories
Stories are a timeless tale
that always make you look back to the past.
If you don't know where you come from
then you won't know where you’re going at last.
If you loose yourself in the swarm, you could be lost forever.
so listen to the wise stories of our elders.
© 2008, Miranda
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
The Way it Used to Be
No one was lazy
people were dog mushing
they always walked
but now everyone is rushing.
What did it used to be like?
when men hunted with a harpoon
for seals and walrus
at the lagoon.
Now we all are
staying inside
watching TV
instead of going for a boat ride.
The men are now
killing everything in sight
with their guns
and the birds are all in flight.
Things were easier back then
like an old story
everything seemed so calm
and everyone enjoyed the glory.
© 2008, Frieda
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
Family History
Family history, what a wonderful thing
there are so many people who could be a queen or king
I've got quite a family I could tell you about
So I'll start with a story you could not doubt.
Well, my great Uncle Bill was quite a man
he took down many German's with a gun in his hand.
he made his troops go, and never stop
he killed 40 German's ending on top
he may have died, but not in vein.
He got a medal, and a good name.
Another relative who was a good man,
helped out the Senate with a good plan
my grandpa Jack did many good deeds
we'll never forget him, cause he filled all our needs.
My grandma Louise is a good gal,
she's always there, and is a good pal
she's a good grandma, one of the best
if you ask me, she beats all the rest
she was a well accomplished lawyer indeed
once again, another person who fills our family's needs.
My Uncle Bill is as fantastic as can be
when there's a fire, he's got water ready
he does everything thing he possibly can
and that is why I'm proud to be related to that man.
My Uncle Charlie is quite a character
you ask him to do something and he'll be right there.
He is really funny, and makes everyone laugh
if my grandpa Gary has trouble, he's already there helping the calves.
My Grandpa Gary is a hard working man
he may not have is cattle, but he does what he can
he tries his hardest to put us to the test
when were around him, we all do our best.
My parents, and step parents are all real great
they are all real patient, even when I'm late
that's why I love them all to death
they all work hard, and beat out all the rest.
All my aunt's are a crazy bunch
they like to do fun stuff like shopping, or go to lunch
it doesn't matter what side of the family they are on
they are all really great,
I rate them at the top and everything beyond.
All my other uncles are really cool
they take us anywhere, like to the pool
they work real hard no matter what they do
they are really nice and always tell the truth.
I've got so many relatives that make me so proud
they all stand out in a crowd
so if you ask me, I will say,
My family is great, they are ten!
I hope some day I can be like them.© 2008, Abbey
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
The Wild Horses of the StateI see the wild horses,
running down the hill,
and some are left standing,
standing there, still.
As the horses gaze across,
wind blows threw their hair
the others sit there and watch
and their colts, sit and stare.
As others come and join,
the running herd, gets bigger
the mare's tell their colts
please, come and linger.
When they run threw the water,
water splashes everywhere,
the water gets on the leaders,
the stallion and the mare.
The herd finds their land
with fresh grass on the ground
and while the wind is blowing
oh, that beautiful bound.
When the eagle soars across,
the horse's look up high
the eagle fly's away
the horses take a sigh.
When the day turned to night,
all the horses lie down
when they fall asleep,
they dream of the beautiful sound.
When night turned to day,
they all rise without fear,
and when the colts nurse,
they stay close near.
When the stallion watches the herd,
when the herd is ready to run,
while the eagle soars across,
across, the flaring sun.
When the horses leave their land,
some gallop and some run
when the horses run upon,
the little ones are having fun.
When they land at a lake,
they are thirsty you can see,
when they leave the clear blue lake,
there's nothing left to be,
As they ran across the lands,
as fast as can be,
their hearts where beating fast,
cause they were running free.
These horses took a stop
without fear, without hate,
cause these horses will be known as,
the wild horses of the state.
© 2007, Dillyn B.
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
Towards the Sun
Swaying in the breeze
dancing in the heavenly skies
nothing but the wind
hiding from earthly lies.
Spinning through the desert sands
laughing at their woes
travel further, linger no longer
chase away our foes.
Dancing 'cross the ocean blue
tapping through the waves
travel like a hurricane
lacking the will to save.
Watching the wandering breeze
begging it to linger longer
gripping it tightly, crying oh so lightly
tomorrow, we'll be stronger.
Let us dance away
let us spin towards eternity
tomorrow's not so far away
so, let us fly towards serenity.
clinging to the hand
fly, fly away, fly
towards the invisible land
hidden from you and I.
We could stay there
and prolong our days
dance forever with the breeze
along the ocean bays.
Such an entrancing waltz
the wind swaying with the trees
we could dance like them
just like the autumn leaves.
As we prance forever
amongst the ocean breeze
the wind will carry us further
towards a future we must seize.
This life can't contain us forever
let us soar towards the sun
the wind will carry you home
let us soar towards the sun.© 2007, Danielle
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
Montana's Nature
Wind rustling through the trees
and squirrels roaming around
chipmunks gathering nuts for hibernation
and dropping them on the ground.
Deer exploring the forests
looking for places to live
bears looking for food to eat
trying to be very secretive.
Rivers flowing through the canyon
currents flowing fast
seaweed at the bottom
gripping on like grass.
Horses on the ranches
waiting to be mounted
bulls in the arenas
being ridden for 8 seconds counted.
Wild cats roaming
in the mountains way up high
bald eagles flying
in the clear blue sky.
Mountains shining white
from glistening deep snow
great horned owls
hooting deep and low.© 2006, Barbara C.
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
Crazy Eyed Cow
You never see her,
the crazy eyed cow
you always look,
but you don't know how.
If you ever did see her,
it would be fast
you never may see her,
so don't let your thoughts last.
Yesterday I thought I saw the crazy eyed cow,
so I told my maw,
she said it wasn't true,
but it didn't stop paw.
Paw took his gun and ran out the door,
he said he's gonna shoot that crazy eyed cow,
and off he went
when he remembered he don't know how.
The next day my brother thought he saw her, he said to himself,
"I finally get to see her for the very first time"
he realized it was our bull
now, he's in the hospital, and doin' just fine.
So next time your try,
to catch the crazy eyed cow,
be sure it's her,
and be sure you know how.© 2006, Abbey G.
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
Breeds of Horses
There are many kinds of horses
and many colors too.
Spots, stripes, and blazes
reds and roans of blue.
There are quarter horses and Thoroughbred
paints, mustangs, and palominos
there are many many more
when they run their main blows.
There are colors that are very vibrant
like red, chestnut, and black
some have very weird markings
they run or gallop when your on their back.
There are cow horses and cuttin' horses
there are many others too
like pullin' horses and pleasure horses
and one is rode by buckaroos.© 2006, Taylor N.
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
Oh, no! Oh, no!
move all you darn hogs!
Because out of nowhere
come gallopin' cow dogs.
They come out of nowhere,
then leave out of sight.
they don't come back till
the end of the night.
When they come back
they howl and they bark
to get rid of them you need to be a shark.
Always be alert
always be ready
always prepare to be
feeling unsteady.
A grey dog! A black dog!
What will come next?
I think that I should stop
writing in this text!
But there is one more thing
If you want to be a pro
the cow dogs always like it
when you put on a funny show!The End
© 2006, Evan
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
Calves are so cute.
They run and sleep all day.
They cuddle with their moms
and they play.
I like it when they wag their tails,
while they drink their mother's milk.
and when they are all done,
their mouths look like white silk.
Some are skinny and have long legs
some have big ears, some have small.
some are fat and have short tails.
because they are all different, I love them all.© 2006, Jaclyn L.
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
The Dusty Trail
There was a man upon a horse,
upon the dusty trail.
He has no phone or radio,
no address for the mail.
The man has roped the cows all day,
his body's weak and frail.
but he prefers to live his life,
upon the dusty trail.
Last night I seen him on his horse,
he need not go to fast.
He climbed off his best friend's back,
and stood there in the grass.
He laid there staring at the stars
his life he did not fail.
Because he lived and died his life.
upon the dusty trail.© 2006, Ben R.
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
On The Ranch
On the ranch there's lots of work
the cattle roam at home
the flies fly and bug them
so they go in the dome.
The horses run and gallop
they like to rear
so when you want to ride them
you go and get the gear.
The dogs like to ride them
all around the yard
but one day they got in trouble
so we sent them a postcard.
People climb on hay bales
so do the dogs
one day they fell off
so they turned in to hogs.
The bulls like to stampede
so get out of the way
and if you can
hide in the hay.
Look at the kitty cats
they like to run and play
they don't do it in April
but they do it in May.
Look at the cows they're calving
but be very careful they're napping
give them lots of feed
so they don't start yapping.
Watch the chickens
oh how they fight over the feed
they have funny names
so we named one Seed.
Watch for coyotes
don't let them bite
when we see them at night
oh how they are a fright.
Hear the birds
they're in the barn
watch out for the cats
the birds have their yarn.
Be careful for the minks
they come at night
they can kill you
oh what a fright.
See the barns
oh how they are big
oh they would look so funny
if they put on a wig.
The corrals are big and round
look at the sheep
oh how they run a lot
running to the jeep.
Oh see the pigs
they roll in the mud
if they come in
they soak in the tub.
Look at the geese
Look at the ducks
we'll sell them
for a few bucks.
See the fields
the flowers are blooming
look at the horses
they need grooming.
So if you come to the ranch
you'll see all these things
so pack your bags
or we'll start to sing.© 2006, Jaime, Andria, and Brynn
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
A cowboy's job is tough you see
believe me, I tell you listen to me
I live out on the open range
eaten critters, some are strange.
Once my horse just ran away
and left me stranded for twelve days
by the twelfth day I was out of food
my stomach ached, I was in a foul mood.
I looked down low, I looked up high
until I spied me a porcupine.
Now how to get him out of that tree
my, oh my, what a mystery!
I looked up and he looked down
he saw my face I saw him frown
his eyes rolled back in to his head
it came to me the porcupine is dead.
He must of had a heart attack
he fell out of the tree right on his back
his quills were stuck down in the dirt
at least he didn't land on me, boy that would hurt.
I built a fire around the beast
this was going to be the greatest feast
now my stomach felt real fine
thanks to that poor porcupine.
The only problem left you seeth
I had some meath stuck in my teeth
by that time my horse was back
I hopped right up and gave him a smack.
Leave me again you'll be my next meal
I picked my teeth with a porcupine quill.© 2005, Reese J.
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
The Big Horns
In the mountain air
the big horns sleep
nobody would even dare
to slumber deep.
Deep in a clumber of trees
danger does await
an unexpected visitor sees
could be the big horns' fate.
then the big horns scatter
for they know danger's in the air
the rocks start to clatter
they don't hesitate or care.
But what's over that ridge
could it be a cliff
or maybe a natural bridge
they charge on with all theory believed.
They have made it safely
on their promised land
although it got drafty
they would strongly stand.© 2005, Ashley W.
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
My HorseMy horse is brown.
He is so nice.
He's the best in town,
but he's afraid of mice.
He's very tame,
and he never gets mad.
To me he's got more fame
than Michael Jackson had.
He's got this white spot
on his head.
He drinks water from a pot
before he goes to bed.
I got this horse for free.
And that's pretty good deal.
I've been keeping a secret inside me.
My horse isn't real.© 2005, Ben D.
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
I don't like that horse
I like my old saddle.
Why did I lend it to Morse
who just took my cattle.
I watched him buy the plug
from a no-account drifter,
and when we came to the big hill and he had to chug
right on the nice side the rack o'bones biffed 'er.
Now that I think about it, I want my saddle back
either that or I'll come up with a bill
better think where the receipt is, oh, its on the rack
Cause right now he's ridin' over the hill.
Hope he didn't take a rope,
he'll scratch up my redone horn.
here he comes back at a lope
its roughed up! I wish that horse was never born.© 2005, Will
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
The Tagger
In spring you've got a fresh start,
calves run wild and free.
Riding checking for calves is my part,
tagging a calf is a chasing spree.
Oh don't get me started on that;
there are those bad ones that none can tag.
Grab the tagger and jam down your hat,
take a look at that old barf bag.
Now me and my horse come in,
soon dizzy, he grabs the calf.
Snot clings to the heifers wet chin,
in the middle, I try not to laugh.
The tagger snaps and the calf gives a bawl,
the heifer's wild now more than before.
Back and forth the cow and calf call,
the calf jumps up and heads for the door.
Everything turned out to be okay with the wicked thing,
I can't wait until next time.
All the excitement tagging a calf can bring,
That's the life of a true cowboy - all written in rhyme.© 2005, Whit W.
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
Sunrise, Sunset
Sunrise, Sunset
every day is gone.
I want a day I haven't met
in waiting for a new dawn.
Sunrise, Sunset
It's a new day
I need a night I won't forget
I have nothing I need to say.
Sunrise, Sunset
It's a beautiful night
It's a night I won't regret
just look at that moonlight.
Sunrise, Sunset
see that falling star
I have no debt
I can see Mars.
Sunrise, Sunset
The sky is so clear
I must not fret
the end is near.
© 2005, Emma G.
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
One day I saw a horse
it won a lot of races
it was a two time world champ
he saw a lot of faces.
I watched him race
he won the race by a mile
when he got back to his trailer
he received a great huge smile.
After that I went to see his owner
I asked if he was for sale
the owner said, "no
your hay is probably way to stale."
He was a great big paint
he was super good with a halter
it took a really long time
to get him not to falter.
He had a long tail
he ate a lot of hay
when his tail was in the loft
I just had to shout hooray!!!!
He is a stallion
he is really wild
he hates to play
but he acts like a child.© 2005, Daylon
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
A Cowboy's Job
A cowboy's job is to work on the ranch
from training horses to working cattle.
He never passed up the chance
if you take it slow, there will be no battle.
Long cattle drives are his favorite thing to do,
sleeping under the stars by the fire
but its hard to get to sleep when the cows say moo,
but I sure do admire.
Waking up at dawn
starting back on the trail.
We seen a doe and a fawn
both looking perty pale.
As the cattle cross the river
a young calf gets stuck.
He gave all the rope he could giver
then he pulled it out of the muck.
The get home and put the cattle away
then he goes in to relax a little.
When he wakes up it is a new day
then he goes to play his fiddle.© 2005, Joe S.
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
Making the Pay
Rodeo was uncle Bill's game,
Saddle broncs were his pray,
But really women were his fame,
As they came to stay,
A champ he was
Three golden buckles on his belt,
Riding broncs just because
That's the way he felt,
Kids watch him every day,
To soon be like he,
Hoping to make the pay,
As he did oh-so free,
A Hall-o'-famer now,
Because of his way of life,
How he did it I just don't know,
but rodeo was his life,
A winner to all,
Indeed I must say,
He never did fall,
That's how he made the pay.© 2004, Lat W.
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
The Old Man
by Devin Dahl - 11th Grade
Drummond, MontanaI was sitting with an old man
One day around the campfire
Telling me about the days he was a cowhand
And there was no such thing as barbed wire
So I sat there listening
About the cowboy days
His face was almost glistening
As he told of the cowboy ways
They led a romantic sort of life
Just following the breeze
The cowboy knew the secret to life
For he held all the keys
The cowboy tamed the West
For us to follow along
They made this country the very best
So wild, free and strong
Riding his trusty steed
Off into the sunset
Always doing a good deed
Is the cowboy way I bet
But the cowboy has evolved
His is more modern now
All his problems he has solved
For they now use tractors to plow
As I look through the smoke,
I realized I am by myself
Why did the old man go, I choke
He has gone to sit on God's shelf
For he disappeared as fast
As the cowboys of old
I took a peek at the past
As a life a cowboy told.© 2004, Devin D.
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
Goats
by Sarah Zehntnar - 8th Grade
White Sulphur Springs, Montana
My sister has this goat,
Oh my God, she just won't die.
she really loves this thing,
And sometimes I wonder why.
She was born in early spring,
And was close to dead.
Robin brought her in and cleaned her,
And put Scooter in her bed.
She lived in our house,
And thought she a dog.
She chased the cows, befriended a sheep,
And followed Robin on her jogs.
When summer came she moved outside,
And lived out in our yard.
We built her a fence, a horse, and a toy,
And had the dogs for her bodyguards.
Later that summer she moved with the goats,
And they didn't get along.
She didn't listen and follow them,
So she didn't really belong.
The next March she had some kids,
Two of them, as a matter of fact.
One was Becky and the other Gracie,
And were pretty cute to be exact.
Along the way poor Gracie died,
It was a tragic end.
While Becky baby-sat her Mom,
And had Ginger for a friend.
Her favorite place to catch some shade,
Was under our pickup truck.
Dad jumped in and pulled away,
And ran her over, with her luck.
She didn't die, to bad for me,
But hurt her hip real bad.
She has a problem walking,
But she doesn't seem too sad.
Robin couldn't show her,
in the 4-H Fair.
She did pretty good with Becky,
So I don't think Robin cared.
The next year Scooter tried
to have a baby boy.
Robin was upset,
So that really was a joy.
She had to have a C-section,
for a goat you never do.
But with a crying owner who was saying,
What if that was you?
So 12:00 that morning,
They headed to the vet.
Robin in the passenger seat,
Sleeping I would bet.
The bad news is the baby died,
And Scooter, a little sick.
She was shaved and stapled up,
And all you could say was "ick".
Scooter is still alive,
Though I wonder why.
She should have died so many times,
I wonder if she'll ever die.
Maybe someday she will die,
But I don't know what I'll do.
Who will I pick and complain about?
They're out there some place, but who?© 2004, Sarah Z.
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
Wild Horses
by Lori Saulsbury - 7th Grade
Colstrip, Montana
Horses are strong,
Running together,
Moving along,
Through all kinds of weather.
So free, so wild,
A Spirit untamed,
No part of them mild,
A power unnamed,
Etched in my mind,
The elegance, the grace,
a beauty with no bind,
Once roamed in this place,
Wild Horses.
© 2004, Lori S.
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.
Contacting TJ Casey
Visit TJ Casey's web site for more about his school residencies programs, photos, and more of the students' poetry.
Cowboy Enterprises
PO Box 31676 Billings, MT 59101
(406) 245-0734
tjcaseymt@gmail.com
http://www.tjcasey.net
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