Darrell recounts a "true" story of his experience with a rattlesnake and a butterfly. Darrell Holden performs "The Butterfly" during the "Talking it All in Stride" show at the 39th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Darrell Holden is a proud fifth-generation rancher who raises cattle on the West Desert of Utah. He started writing cowboy poetry in 1983 while a freshman in high school. He started performing after gentle nudges by his mother, wife, and daughter. (“Nudges” may have been slightly veiled threats of bodily harm.) He writes about his life–humor, strife, pain, joy, and anything ranching. Darrell carries the legacy handed to him from his ancestors as a fierce defender of ranching families and the stewardship we all have with livestock and nature. Darrell finds writing to be therapeutic and healing for his heart. Married to his best friend and sweetheart, Angie, they have two amazing kids, who are both top hands. Darrell is happiest a-horseback with family and cattle.

"The Butterfly" poem by Darrell Holden.

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Filmed in front of a live audience with help from the E. L. Wiegand Foundation at the Western Folklife Center’s G Three Bar Theater in Elko, NV, on Jan. 31, 2024.

Made possible the multitude of staff, artists, volunteers, and community members working behind the scenes to make this show happen.

Brought to you by the Western Folklife Center, using story and cultural expression to connect the American West to the world.
www.westernfolklife.org

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