Jordan, 16, a member of the Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch Cowboy Poetry Team, recently returned from the 36th annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nev. Jordan performed with other young poets from across the nation during the Teen Poetry & Open Mic with his rendition of “Teddy Bear,” a tear-at-your-heart-strings narrative co-written by country music artist Red Sovine in 1976.

Watch his recitation below now.

Jordan’s joy for public speaking has grown over the years thanks to his experiences in front of audiences through Boys Ranch Future Farmers of America, rodeo and while being one of our Faces of Rodeo during the 75th Annual Boys Ranch Rodeo in 2019!

At Boys Ranch, activities such as cowboy poetry can provide important opportunities for growth and healing while building confidence as youth prepare, memorize and practice, practice, practice, so they are ready to perform in front of a crowd!

Our cowboy poets attend several national gatherings a year which opens them up to new experiences, allowing them to meet some remarkable people and see our beautiful country in their travels.

This weekend, our young cowboy poets travel to Alpine, Texas, to the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering hosted by Sul Ross State University. And, from Apr. 4-5, they’ll join cowboys and cowgirls at Saddle Up & The Annual Chuck Wagon Cookoff in Pigeon Ford, Tennessee!