Enchantment: Poems of Awe from America's First Dude Ranch

Somehow, mounting a horse immediately settles you into the present moment. Being responsible for a thousand pounds of muscle with a will of its own forces all other thoughts out of your mind, as you remind yourself to sit properly and recall the basics of steering. And with that new mindfulness, that special connection between human and animal, a door opens to experiences of awe. Awe of the new directions you can literally take yourself. Awe of your own strengths as you conquer your fears. An awe of the pristine mountains and geologic history that awakens a longing often forgotten - for freedom, for memory, for being at one with the movements of the earth.

In this collection of poems, SD Stalzer captures the enchantment and wonder of America's first dude ranch, Eatons' Ranch in Wolf, Wyoming, from the wild Big Horn Mountains to the rich prairies, accompanied by striking black and white photos of the exquisite natural beauty of the area. Full of sensual detail and philosophical wanderings, Enchantment will immerse you in the sights and sounds of the life of a "dude" and inspire your own contemplation of the things that fill you with awe.