Folk Musings #2

Notes from the road…

In 2015 I put a mini tour together centered on performances at the Speak For Wolves conference in Yellowstone National Park. The conference brought together wildlife experts, advocates and enthusiasts from far and wide.

I had written a song about wolves interwoven with the parallels of the history and fate of native Americans. Somehow the song and I found my way here.

I booked shows and house concerts on the route there and back, and saw so much of the western US. There was a second tour in 2016.

This was one journal note from the road. Oh how I wish I had taken a photo, but I didn’t want to intrude.

August 7, 2015

Every hotel in Idaho Falls was full last night. I opted for Pocatello, forty five miles in the opposite direction. It's a good thing I called ahead and booked the room at Motel 6. By the time I arrived the no vacancy sign was lit.

It is the usual Motel 6. The newer remodeled ones no longer have the signature horrid carpet. The beds still feel like medieval punishment.

The first trip up the stairs is guitars and gear. As I return to the car, another car pulls into the next space. Out step the people. A middle aged couple get out first. They look tired and are moving a little slowly after a long day. They are dressed comfortably, both in jeans and sweatshirts.

The third occupant emerges in a flourish of color and feathers. He is dressed in full ceremonial tribal regalia from head to toe. He practically glows with pride. A number is pinned to his thigh on one of those paper tags you see in 5k races. "20" it says. Under the face paint I can't discern his age, but I'm thinking high school. He's more than a foot taller than his folks. He apologizes that I've had to wait to get into my car and I say its no problem at all. As he leaves, I gesture with a sweep of my hand at the magnificent attire and can only muster "That is awesome." There is so much more I want those words to convey.

I think more on this before I sleep. Our nation's history and legacy. The cultures obliterated that have no living memory any longer. The traditions proudly continued for those that somehow survived in some form. We are a planet of conquerers and subjugators, always with a rationale and a motive for what we take. And I just wonder if someday, some kid is going to be born into the generation that has evolved past that. Standing another foot taller than the last one.