Sixty Million

I saw many buffalo running

Like a huge dust cloud crossing the plain

But in the depth of my heart

They left only a huge stain

 

It was because there were none left

Sixty million slaughtered, now not a trace

I tried to hold back my feelings

But a tear fell from my face

 

That was then I saw a coyote watching

Partially hidden in long prairie grass

Hoping to see him much better

I had to use my long glass

 

We three were there alone

Which seemed somewhat strange

Just we single souls

On this great wide-open range

 

Climbing back onto my paint pony

Slowly, we began to ride

Wondering where he would take us

Our new four-footed guide

 

Reviews

[Pete]

hopefully back to a time when people let them be and didn't encroach on their natural habitat. when i first saw the title, i thought of lee majors and the $6 million man - course with inflation and all it has gone up. sadly, some developer is killing himself along with those fine creatures in pursuit of that purse. costner was great in dancing with wolves. we could all use a "dancing" lesson ... :)

[Dave Brown]

thanks Pete
I am not a Costner fan but I agree, he did a super job in that film however it was such a great movie that even I might have been able to star in that role......well...maybe not ..star....altho'!!

[John Sullivan]

When I saw the title I first thought of the Holocaust, though I suppose this is appropriate as well. I am American (white, Irish-Italian) and I am well aware of the failures of mankind throughout its history. Great piece, nicely done

[Dave Brown]

Yes, that is just one more example of what a warped species we have become.
Hard to imagine it will change but of course, hope springs eternal
Appreciate the visit John

[John Sullivan]

Gaza, Ukraine... civil wars and genocide... but hope indeed. The pleasure is mine

[willweb]

Man, you are all over this out on the range theme and the scenes you paint are so vivid and inviting. Nicely done Dave

[Dave Brown]

LOL
truth is, I unrealistically think I'd like to live out in the middle of the wide open range, my pony, my hot rods and I, where there's good TV reception but not a single highrise or factory or even more than one neighbor within 1000 miles.
I believe that is called being anti-social!!
Have a pleasant day ww.

[Desert Knave]

I've always envied those who got to see the great herds of bison cross the plains. It is amazing how quickly mankind destroys what it sees. Excellent write. ~Jim

[Dave Brown]

It must have been an amazing sight
Possibly, today's Wildebeest migration is our closest scenario
Thanks for the visit

[John the Baptist]

A somber piece here, Dave. You capture very well the sense of loss engendered by the thought of 6,000,000 slain animals. Then you capture that feeling again with the picture of the speaker, his horse and the lone coyote standing where once there were great, thundering herds. Can the coyote lead us to greater wisdom in dealing with nature? The question goes unanswered.

[Dave Brown]

I didn't think anybody would particularly care about the ruthless slaughter of dumb animals, mainly done to get natives onto reservations.
When I first read the numbers, all which happened in app. just 5 yrs., I found it unbelievable.
Another of mankind's many highlights
Thanks for stopping by.

[Dave Brown]

excuse my stupidity, that should read 60 million