I want to see

the Big Muddy

before I die

Big Muddy, Big Muddy

badlands not so bad

buddy

I’ll wear my old boots

ride a bronc

punch cows

shoot a Colt

Big Muddy, Big Muddy

vistas from those hogbacks

must steal a breath—

those Great Plains rolling out

rustling grass carpets

to a jagged-toothed horizon

biggest sky and buffalo effigy

I wish bison still roamed

in millions— in First Nations

the Big Muddy was hallowed

for it’s big spirits

Outlaw Trail for Sundance Kid

Dutch Henry, Sam Kelly

Coyote Pete and Pigeon Toe—

prickly cactus and hardy flowers

are the only Wild Bunch now

Big Muddy, Big Muddy

I’ll climb Castle Butte

and catch the prairie wind

I’ll sing the red western sunset

Sitting Bull did

cross-legged with two feathers

I want to see

the Big Muddy

before I die

Big Muddy, Big Muddy

badlands not so bad

buddy

roping the stars

bucked off a bronc

an arrow in my heart

I’ll die with my boots on