Spirit of the Cowboy by Cody Draco

Have you ever wondered why a cowboy’s shadow lingers in your imagination long after the figure disappears? This review uncovers how Cody Draco answers that question through poetry’s fiercest terrains.

Genre, Sub-Genres, and Themes

Genre: Poetry
Sub-genres: Queer literature, social critique, contemporary free verse, autobiographical lyric
Themes: Masculinity, queerness, love and loss, American identity, trauma, generational memory, survival, reinvention

Review

Reading Cody Draco’s Spirit of the Cowboy feels like stepping into an open field at dusk—haunted, beautiful, and filled with echoes you’re not sure are ghosts or memories. This is not a book that behaves politely; it confronts, it stares back, and it insists that identity is not something inherited but something forged with fire, sweat, and language.

Draco draws from American archetypes—the cowboy, the preacher, the city, the frontier—and reshapes them into metaphors of selfhood and struggle. What is fascinating is how these familiar symbols are not discarded but interrogated. A cowboy is not just a cowboy; he becomes a mirror of desire, fear, repression, and liberation. Neuroscientists tell us that memory is less like a photograph and more like a constantly rewritten script. Draco’s poems embody this truth, revisiting past encounters with fresh angles until the ghosts reveal more about the speaker than the past itself.

There’s an undercurrent of social critique that runs as strong as a river beneath the imagery. The poems name America’s contradictions: worship of guns, commodified politics, erased histories, systemic inequities. Yet rather than descending into cynicism, the voice carries a strange kind of hope—hope born not of naivety but of refusal to remain silent. The lines burn with the belief that speaking, even raw and messy, reshapes the cultural conversation.

Readers who have ever felt confined by expectations of who they should be—be it because of gender, family, community, or nation—will find a companion in this book. It’s not a comfortable companion, but a necessary one, like a friend who tells you hard truths you secretly needed to hear. Those who prefer poetry that tiptoes around difficult realities may find the work unsettling. But perhaps unsettling is exactly the point.

Draco’s artistry lies not just in content but in craft. The rhythm often mirrors conversation, rant, or confession, making the poems feel alive, urgent, and intimate. Sometimes they read like sermons, other times like diary entries, and at moments like protest chants scrawled on the walls of America itself. There are flashes of surreal imagery and lyrical tenderness that catch the reader off guard, balancing the sharper critiques.

Imagine being told all your life that masculinity looks a certain way, only to realize that version was a costume stitched together by generations. This book is what happens when someone tears the costume apart and weaves something new from the scraps. That weaving is not seamless, but that’s the beauty of it—threads fray, knots show, and the fabric breathes.

Who is this book for? It’s for the wanderers who look at cultural myths and feel both awe and alienation. For those who know poetry is not an escape from reality but a way of entering it more deeply. It is not for readers seeking rhymed pleasantries or pastoral nostalgia.

In the end, Spirit of the Cowboy asks: what does it mean to inherit a history that doesn’t fit, and what does it cost to rewrite it? The answers are not easy, but the asking is everything.

Content Warning

This book and review discuss mature topics including sexuality, violence, systemic oppression, trauma, and strong language. Readers who may be sensitive to such material should proceed with awareness.

Voyages of Verses Book Award

This book is a winner of the Voyages of Verses Book Award, a recognition for books that expand the horizon of what literature can achieve. We honor works that challenge preconceived notions, broaden worldviews, and celebrate the rich blend of voices that shape our global narrative. Whether it’s a novel that immerses you in a different culture, a collection of poems that captures the essence of shared humanity, or a nonfiction account that sparks critical thought, the Voyages of Verses Book Award celebrates stories that invite exploration and discovery.

We’d love to hear from you!

What are your thoughts on this piece? Share your insights in the comments below!

What stood out to you most about this post?
Have you read a book recently that relates to the themes discussed here?
What’s your favorite takeaway or reflection from this write-up?

Let’s keep the conversation going—your thoughts make this space richer!

Disclaimer: The content on this site is provided for informational and inspirational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, the views expressed in reviews, articles, and recommendations are subjective and may not reflect the opinions of all readers.

We receive complimentary copies of all books we review. However, this practice does not compromise the integrity or honesty of our reviews. Every write-up reflects the contributor’s genuine impressions and critical analysis, ensuring transparency and trust with our readers.

For a complete understanding of our practices, please refer to our full Disclaimer, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service. These documents outline how we manage your information, ensure transparency, and uphold your rights as a user.

To request for a review, to nominate your favorite book for an award, or for more details about our awards, click here.

OneTribune