“When the Buffalo Cried”

This art piece reflects the sacred bond between the buffalo and Native people, where gratitude, respect, and balance once guided every use of its gifts. It carries both sorrow and hope— remembering the loss when the herds were nearly destroyed, yet calling us to honor life with reverence so the buffalo’s spirit may endure.

WHEN THE BUFFALO CRIED

Buffalo ran across the land,
Big and strong, in a quiet band.
We took what we needed, not too much,
And thanked them all with every touch.
We used their fur, their bones, their meat,
And sang a song with dancing feet.

Heya heya — strong and kind,
Buffalo gave with heart and mind.
Heya heya — side by side,
That’s when the buffalo cried.

Then came people with guns and lies,
They shot for fun, they closed their eyes.
They took the skins, left all the rest,
The buffalo fell — they did their best.
But one by one, the herds grew small,
And no one heard their final call.

Heya heya — strong and kind,
Buffalo gave with heart and mind.
Heya heya — side by side,
That’s when the buffalo cried.

Now just a few still roam the plain,
But we can help them live again.
Let’s treat all creatures with respect,
And never waste, or just forget.
We must be kind and say goodbye,
To days that made the buffalo cry.

Heya heya — strong and kind,
Buffalo gave with heart and mind.
Heya heya — let’s not hide,
Still we hear the buffalo cry.