Buffalo Dance: The Journey of York (Kentucky Voices)

Another outstanding, insightful, and moving collection of poems. Walker has a unique voice and uses it to convey a depth of understanding of our lives and the lives of others that never fails to prod, poke and transport me.

A fabulous book, given to me as a gift from my parents, who heard him speak. They said he was a fantastic speaker. Well, I can say Mr. Walker is a fantastic writer.In this collection he goes into the soul of York, the guide for Lewis & Clark. He doesn't gloss over anything, carefully critiquing York's observations and feelings, including those of the racism dished his way before, during, and after the journey. Walker's keen eye and lyrical voice give York himself a voice.Whether one likes poetry, history, good writing -- or all three -- this is a must-get.I can only hope Mr. Walker speaks in my town soon.

I finished reading this at the Falls of the Ohio, where a statue of Lewis and Clark overlook the Ohio. Meanwhile across the river in Louisville, there is Ed Hamilton's statue of York, not as prominently displayed but present. Perhaps we'd like to tell ourselves that we have gone a long way, and York too came a long way on the voyageur of discovery. But to go from a voting member of the expedition ("That winter, he give me my own proxy // say my word count too, /// but I knows not to get too full a myself ") to return to "revisionist history" and ill treatment ("I don't know what get in Massa's head // an have him think a generous whip // make me a better slave"). York left no notes, so Walker makes appealing conjectures about York's inner thoughts during the voyage .. "When I be my best self, I be all buffalo", of dreaming of his wife, or of vision quests. Thought provoking poetry!

Buffalo Dance: The Journey of York is a book of poetry written from the point of view of York, William Clark's servant, who accompanied Lewis and Clark on the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Pacific Ocean spanning 1803-1806. Walker researched his subject quite indepth and wrote a series of poetry to tell teh story from York's point of view. Walker handles the subject matter with integrity, honor, and honesty. Buffalo Dance is a fascinating and well paced story written as beautiful, touching poetry.

Good book.