A COWBOY'S PRAYER by Ray A. Twist Now I lay me down to sleep And I hope God will give me a break I hope I don't see Satan The next time I awake I hope I hear birds and smell flowers But not the ones given to the dead I hope I see a lone star wavin on a flag Against a blue sky overhead I hope I can see the mustang Drifting along the canyon rim And hear the voices of my old pals Randy, Rusty, Lefty and Slim

Natalie Ridener The Poetry Cafe of Kingsville, TX

This book we have just edited, Stories Around the Campfire will be Book #3 in a series of Views from the Saddle a Texas cowboy's life in poetry, by Ray A. Twist.

As a plus are: Mr.Twist's short stories, that one can imagine, being read around a campfire, with Randy, Rusty, Lefty, and Slim.

Goldia Hubert Riviera, TX retired school teacher

What a marvelous gift Ray has for expressing his thoughts. His love of family, nature, patriotism, are written with clarity and simplicity of expression, that is truly inspirational.

He writes with an appreciation of character, honor, hard work, and duty-the kind of virtues, to which we aspire, for our children and grandchildren.

A letter from Ann Twist

Ray has been writing poetry for many years, but started writing more in l998, after I retired and had time to type them up for him. It has been a hobby that we both have enjoyed and loved to share with our family and friends.

I refer to Ray as my poem machine. He seldom misses a day writing at least one and many times as many as three. It's been such a joy to share them. For many years, before he retired, he would write just occasionally.

When our grandchildren were small, and would come to spend some time with us, he would always leave a poem for them on the table when he left for work. They always enjoyed his little stories that rhymed. Our dream is to publish a children's book.

We have enjoyed compiling and sharing them. My favorite are his spiritual, but, he has some wonderful western ones. Notice that he has some written, including some cow-boys that he has named Randy, Rusty, Lefty and Slim. We do hope that you will enjoy the ones we have put together for you. God Bless You and Your families. Ann Twist (B. 1926 D 2011)

He writes with the heart and wisdom of a real Texas cowboy, with story poems about family, spirit divine, children. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, and sometimes philosophical. You will be enthralled when you read his poetry. Dot Ryan-author of an award winning historical romance novel. This year, 2014 Ray Twist is introducing Randy, Rusty, Lefty and Slim to his poetry audience, as friends of his. These guys are also friends that we know. Each and every one of us have caring individuals that help us get through tough times, and are supportive in our efforts. Ray had these friends in the military in World War II, in his cowboy circle, and at his work place. In the upcoming book, THE WAY HOME, and in this book, you will read about the great influence these men had on Ray's life. Natalie Arispe, Editor

VIEWS from the SADDLE
a Texas cowboy's life in poetry
by Ray A. Twist

This book is a good one for that long wait in the doctor's office or any other place where relaxing is important.
The Kingsville Writer's Network.

An authentic version of a cowboy's life. Family, military, farming and ranching, hard times and good times, all aspects of Mother Nature, and being in tune with life. Something for everyone.

The Poetry Cafe of Kingsville, moderator and poet, Natalia Ridener, was introduced to Mr. Ray A. Twist's work in 2012. 3000 poems was an incredible collection and she was pleased to read the cowboy poetry many times to her appreciative audiences at The Poetry Cafe meetings and at nursing homes, in Kingsville. The poems are good and need to "get out there" she declared. In 2013 she helped get Views from the Saddle a Texas cowboy's life in poetry, published for the first time.