Everything I do comes down to this: Find. Do. Share. It's the joy of discovering, the courage of acting, and the meaning of sharing. Whether it's a mountain trail, a cowboy poem or a leadership lesson – the best explorations are meant to be shared.
This is your destination for captivating cowboy poetry and enthralling western storytelling. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry and spirit of the West as we bring it to life through words and verses. It’s a way of seeing, where:
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small moments feel wide as canyon country,
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ordinary days crackle with meaning,
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and every rider—no matter how weathered—carries a story worth telling.
Let's embark on a journey through the rugged landscapes and vibrant characters of the West, together on the trail.
Meet the Storyteller
Clayton Johnson writes with the steady hand of someone who knows that the West is more than a place.
Our goal at this site and through all the books and works found here, is to share the beauty, emotion, and grandeur of the Open West. It touches our hearts daily, sometimes with sadness, sometimes with joy, sometimes with heartache, sometimes with amazement, but always with the vision of the touch of the hand of God.
Our hope is that you, too, will find this in our words as we share them from our hearts to yours.
Featured Works
Our Offerings
01.
This Collector’s Edition was hand-bound and screen-printed by the artisans of Colours N Craft in Jaipur, India. The cover is made from sustainably sourced buffalo leather—chosen for its strength, beauty, and durability. Their work reflects the same spirit found in every poem within these pages—honest, timeworn, and full of quiet grace.
02.
Edge to Edge:
Poems of the Open West
Paperback Edition
Capturing the grit, humor, resilience, and tenderness of life on the trails, in the mountains, and across the high desert. Through the voices of cowboys, those who keep the ranches running, the horses, and even the dogs and cats who watch it all, each poem is a trail marker, a signpost inviting us to reflect, connect, and reminding us that every trail is easier when shared.
03.
Quiet Saddle Collection
Subscription
Trust us with refining your cowboy poetry and western tales. Our meticulous editing and refinement services ensure that your stories resonate with authenticity and resonate with the spirit of the Old West.
04.
The Cyrano Project
Cyrano helped his friend put his thoughts for Roxane into words. Custom poems, based on your thoughts and ideas, come to life and are delivered to you, so you can do the same for your "Roxane" or whoever needs you. We are here to be your voice.
05.
The Listening Room:
Widening the View
COMING SOON! A poem, selected by the interviewer from the full collection, is read aloud by Clayton, followed by questions that open a view into the source, the view, and the process behind the poems. (A YouTube Series)
Thoughts from Readers
Chris, UT
Thank you for the wonderful poems, Clayton. You are very talented with words and creating beautiful imagery.
Haline, AZ
"I am reading this book constantly and loving every minute of being in your book with you."
Becky, UT
"I do not think of myself as a poem person. I've never felt anything particular until now. I love, love your poems. They definitely connect with me in so many ways."