Wilderness: Faith, Action, Humor and Other Poems (Pamphlet)

Description

Author: Barker, Elliott S. (1887-1988)

Publisher: Self-published

Pub Date: 1982

Binding: Paperback

Condition: Fair to Good.  Stapled binding tight.  No tears, bends or folds.  Inscribed by the author on title page.   Some age discoloration on front and rear covers, light edge and corner wear.

Notes: Pamphlet.  This volume combines Barker’s two books of poetry, “A Medley of Wilderness and Other Poems”  (self-published, 1962) and “Outdoors, Faith, Fun and Other Poems” (self-published, 1968)  into this single edition.   VERY RARE.  NO copies available for sale, and held in only two libraries.  NO signed copies available.  While Elliott’s younger brother, S. Omar Barker (S.O.B.–the “Poet Lariat of New Mexico” (sic)) may be better known as a writer and poet, Elliott wrote two classics of New Mexico literature–“When the Dogs Barked ‘Treed'” and “Beatty’s Cabin.”  And here are two gems from the pamphlet,  in their entirety:

“Of all investments that I know

Just one will never miss.

There’s interest and you’ll always get

Face value for a kiss.”       (A Good Investment, p. 9)

and

“I’m old and if often seems real tough,

With pretty girls all about,

It makes me wish I were young enough

To take their grandmothers out.”           (I’m Old, p. 24)

Go ahead, roll over in your grave Shakespeare.  Elliott Barker also was the head of the New Mexico Game and Fish Department who initially cared for, and named, “Smokey Bear” (NOT Smokey THE Bear).