Wyoming National Poetry Day features Native poets

Tuesday, October 29, 2019  

October 15th was National Poetry Day and two Indian Poets (Henry Realbird and I) were invited to share the stage in Buffalo at a poetry reading sponsored by WYOPoets, chapter of a national organization.

Held October 14 at the Historic Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, Wyoming, the gala event featured Wyoming Poet Laureates, one Montana Laureate and two Montana cowgirls: Gene Galiano, David Romtvedt; Henry Realbird (Crow), Christine Valentine who ranches in Birney near the Northern Cheyenne reservation and yours truly.

Each State, and even the Nation regularly selects a Poet Laureate, one of the best to represent the State and be an ambassador of the art. So far, Henry Realbird is the first and only tribal member to be so honored by the State of Montana. The former English teacher has performed extensively across the country, including at Elko, Nevada, the granddaddy of cowboy poetry telling, along with Baxter Black, for example.

The event was attended by notables, about a hundred other people, standing room only in the Occidental Lobby, due to advertising conducted by the sponsors. Who would think there are so many highbrows in this small western area? Sponsors included Sheridan Media; the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce; Rocky Mountain Power; the Longmire Foundation and Occidental Hotel.

The inclusion of Native poets was almost accidental, but perhaps ‘meant to be.’ I met Tom Spence, the good president of WYOPoets from cribbage playing, a Friday oldsters session held in Buffalo. During a game, he asked about my profession. “Retired journalist, though still dabbling in that, some creative writing and poetry – all generally poorly paid”, I laughed.

“Poetry? I’m into that,” he responded.

“Wanna hear one? I jibbed.

“Sure”. And, by good luck, I have a cribbage rhyme which he liked.

Knowing I am from Northern Cheyenne, he inquired “Do you know Henry Realbird ? I am a great fan of his.”

“Of course! In our part of the country, who doesn’t know Henry? Besides, we share a mutual granddaughter, Shawnee. (That story makes us sound like a bunch of hillbillies: Henry’s ex-daughter-in-law had a daughter with Henry’s son John and after divorce, she married my son, Shawnee becoming one of ours, in her younger years spending much time with me, her adopted grandma, a glue that brought and keeps us together. Thus, Henry, his wonderful wife Alma, who is also college-educated, a former teacher as is Henry, became close throughout the years.”

The Realbird family needs little introduction in the Sheridan community. They have their own bucking horse string, a sometime utilized by Sheridan rodeo producers and are also well know race-horse owners and trainers. They produce the Indian version of the Custer’s Last Stand reenactment each June, cashing in on an event where, my people joke, the Cheyenne did most of the fighting while the Sioux got the glory. (Now, the Crows are making the money! Jokes.).

The old-time Crow scouts for Custer were smart enough to get the hell out of that engagement. And, in recent years, Richard, (former Tribal President) Kennard and Henry Realbird, brothers, have announced the ever-popular Indian relay races at Sheridan providing excellent explanation, thrilling commentary and good humor. The fans love the Realbird announcers, who are ever dressed to the gills, charming and gracious to one and all, proud example of Native ambassadors.

Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennevoice@gmail.com.

Copyright permission Native Sun News Today