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By Donna Penley

Haysville, Kansas

1998, paper

            This cowgirl poet has traveled all across the country performing her poetry.  I had the privilege of hearing her recite a poem about a "real cowboy" when visiting the Haysville, Kansas Library.  We were a small group of writers gathered around in a circle of chairs, talking about the business of writing, publishing and promoting. 

Donna was one of our group.  She offered to recite and was welcomed.  The group listened raptly, chuckled two or three times and applauded with fervor when she finished.  Both the words and the performance were a treat.

            Donna is also a horse trainer and involved with horsemanship for the handicapped.  She works with the Burning Sage Ranch at Haysville, Kansas.

            "UnCow ponies" and "Rodeo Romance," spurs and chores and second chances attract Donna's muse and her verses paint pictures of the cowboy life.  She makes the reader see the sun on the Kansas flint hills, and their own dream house.  "Noticing Things" is the essence of poetry, and this poet's thoughts and dreams give the reader a delightful view of life in south central Kansas.

A.H.Holt, editor

WesternFictionReview

June 2004