Whiskey Bullets: Cowboy and Indian Heritage Poems
Whiskey Bullets
Cowboy and Indian Heritage Poems
by Garry Gottfriedson
$14.95
- Autumn 2006
- print ISBN: 978-1-55380-043-9
- ebook ISBN: 978-1-55380-386-7
- PDF ISBN: 978-1-55380-387-4
- 6″ x 9″ Trade Paperback, 96 pages
- Poetry
Eloquent, poignant and witty, Garry Gottfriedson’s new collection of poetry, Whiskey Bullets, approaches an old genre with a new flare that will challenge your expectations of cowboy poetry. This edgy collection explores themes of duality that exist in the parallel worlds of cowboys and Indians.
Often satirical, Whiskey Bullets is a testament to adaptability, turning tragedy into humour and pain into passion. It speaks to the unique experience of growing up aboriginal, on the Tk’emlups Reserve (Secwepemc) near Kamloops, with strong First Nation values and traditions, while at the same time immersed in the cowboy and ranching culture of the interior of BC. Gottfriedson skillfully balances his indigenous vision and contemporary concerns, creating a blend of imagery that stimulates the mind’s eye like never before.
Shattering the cowboy’s code of ethics, Gottfriedson unveils hidden truths, unspoken and often ignored, bringing to the fore inescapable issues of gender, sexuality, race and politics, infused with aboriginal attitude. Form and content are carefully conceived to celebrate the distinctive aboriginal individuality, the “shape-shifting” attitudes that are required when one lives simultaneously in two cultures — Secwepemc and white — and their two languages. Candid and challenging, Whiskey Bullets is thought-provoking and engaging.
Reviews:
“Heartbreakingly honest, clever and tough, Garry Gottfriedson’s poetry will move your heart and spirit forever.”
—Richard Van Camp“A furious passion marks this outstanding collection of poetry, Whiskey Bullets, by Garry Gottfriedson. These poems have teeth, spurs, heart, soul, horses and several tongues of fire. This is real cowboys and Indians, not just pretend. These poems mark a trail of intimate transformation, of fierce questioning. This is Gottfriedson’s best.”
—Joy Harjo, Poet, Musician and Activist“This book has the strengths that grow from being profoundly rooted in its world – and that brings some difficulties to those not familiar with it. But its rewards are great.”
—Dream Catcher“Full of cowboy wit and coyote humour”
—Ubyssey“Gottfriedson thinks out his words carefully…. His poetry spurs true grit, he rides it like a stockbroker rustling cattle on the open stock exchange, and for that readers will like him.”
—Black Coffee Poet
