From Sand Creek & Other Poems

This is a deeply evocative program. Simon Ortiz has a captivating voice and a subtle artistic sensitivity. He talks about his background and influences that have informed his worldview, poetry and prose. He reads from his classic work “From Sand Creek,” which depicts the 1864 massacre in Colorado of defenseless Arapahoe and Cheyenne by the U.S. Army. “It’s part of U.S. history,” he says, “and has to be acknowledged.” He connects Sand Creek with another massacre, a century later, My Lai. He reads such poems as: “The Creation According to Coyote,” “Earth Woman,” “Morning Star” and “Hungry in New York City.” The program concludes with Buddy Redbow singing “Indian Reservation.”

Hosted and produced by David Barsamian as part of his World Poetry Series on KGNU. Made possible by a grant from the Boulder Arts Commission.

Recorded at KGNU.