Henry Real Bird’s poetry represents a communicative art; it is poetry that blends his Native heritage with the identity of an “assimilated Indian.” Via his work, he brings ancient wisdom to life, transforming it into poetry, essays, plays, and performances. His writing offers an Apsáalooke perspective on the Western North American cattle culture, weaving his thoughts into soundscapes that create emotionally evocative imagery. Henry sees poetry as true freedom – a way to explore the deeper meanings of life. Henry was raised on the Crow Reservation ranch lands by his grandparents, who taught him Crow, his first and primary language. This deeply influences his poetry, as his poems begin in Crow in his mind before being translated into English.
