JK Miller

“Evocative Western Poetry”

Written by

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That’s how the editors of Saddlebag Dispatches describe my contribution, “Ghosts of Fort Smith” which appears in the October, 2026 Volume 12, Issue #23.

I wrote the poem after researching a little of the history of Fort Smith, which was the theme of this issue of Saddlebag Dispatches:

THE LAW. THE LEGENDS. THE UNTAMED WEST.

From the storied streets of Fort Smith to the farthest reaches of the frontier, the October issue of Saddlebag Dispatches explores the lawmen, outlaws, legends, and larger-than-life characters who shaped the American West.

Go behind the badge with New York Times bestselling author and retired Deputy U.S. Marshal Marc Cameron in an exclusive interview about his years in federal law enforcement and the real-world experiences behind his acclaimed Arliss Cutter novels. Discover the remarkable stories of legendary lawman Bass Reeves, Cherokee Lighthorse captains, and the frontier figures whose exploits helped define an era. Explore the life of Bill Tilghman through the eyes of his wife, Zoe, revisit the legacy of True Grit creator Charles Portis, and uncover the history, landmarks, and turbulent justice of Fort Smith.

Then ride into the action with original Western fiction filled with deadly manhunts, hard choices, haunted pasts, and justice served at a price. Add evocative Western poetry*, a fresh look at the cowboy life, Hollywood’s take on the notorious Belle Starr, and a final installment of Sherry Monahan’s beloved Lively Libations column, and you have an issue steeped in the grit, character, and contradictions of the Old West.

Featuring contributions from acclaimed authors and historians, including New York Times bestsellers Chris Enss, Reavis Z. Wortham, and Will Rogers Medallion Award winners Anthony Wood and Ben Henry Bailey, this issue also celebrates the enduring power of Western storytelling with the announcement of the sixth annual Mustang Award for Western Flash Fiction.

History worth remembering. Stories worth riding for. The West, in all its hard-earned glory. Discover the October issue of Saddlebag Dispatches—where the frontier lives on.

  • Hey, that’s me!

2 responses

  1. openbook Avatar
    openbook

    Congratulations, Jeff, on the well deserved accolades and many publications. You come to mind when I walk the neighborhood side walks. Tree roots are cracking the concrete, lifting sections out of their way as if to say, “I have the right of way.” I recall your sharing about your tree planting committee. How weird, I felt. To spend time equalizing the value of trees with that of our convenience and safety conflicts. But after seeing Trump’s cutting down 500+ trees in DC without regard, I now am more open to your idea of respecting the path of trees. BTW Sandy is much improved but only leaving the house for medical appointments. I continue to get tangled in Amazon Vine reviews. Health wise, I’m doing okay, with some leg problems. I recently turned eighty. Now when I make a mistake, I say, “What do you expect, I’m eighty.” Or like the trees, “Give me a break, I’m eighty.” Is July getting ready to retire soon? Have you entirely healed? Peace and Joy, Ed

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  2. boldlypolite8c28ab7f8d Avatar
    boldlypolite8c28ab7f8d

    I have been thinking about you, too, Ed. I have been wondering how you you are doing. Poetically speaking, I think the overnight removal of 500-plus trees is probably a good metaphor for the current administration.

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