The Art Box - Episode 275 - Rubbing Butterflies on Your Heart - Wisdom of Henry Realbird

Thanks to a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council, Linda and Steve are broadcasting from the Elko Convention Center at the 40th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. A heartfelt thank you to the Western Folklife Center for their incredible hospitality and dedication to preserving the spirit of cowboy poetry and Western storytelling!

In this episode, we welcome Henry Realbird a renowned Crow Nation cowboy poet, storyteller, and former Montana Poet Laureate (2009-2011). Born and raised on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana, he grew up riding horses, ranching, and deeply immersed in Native traditions and the cowboy way of life. His poetry, often performed in both English and Crow, captures the vast landscapes of the West, the struggles and joys of ranching, and the spiritual connection between people, land, and horses.

Henry is known for his lyrical, rhythmic style, often performing his poetry on horseback, bringing an authenticity and deep-rooted passion to his work. His books include Horse Tracks, Wolf Teeth, and Ride the Wind, reflecting themes of survival, identity, and the beauty of the open plains.

A true embodiment of the cowboy poet spirit, Henry Real Bird's work bridges cultures, preserving both Indigenous and Western traditions through powerful storytelling.

Learn more about Henry at: https://www.westernfolklife.org/blog/tag/Henry+Real+Bird