The Death of Sitting Bear

New and Selected Poems

By: N. Scott Momaday

Narrated by: N. Scott Momaday

READ BY THE AUTHOR

“These are the poems of a master poet. . . . When you read these poems, you will learn to hear deeply the sound a soul makes as it sings about the mystery of dreaming and becoming.” —Joy Harjo, Mvskoke Nation, U.S. Poet Laureate

Pulitzer Prize winner and celebrated American master N. Scott Momaday returns with a radiant collection of more than 200 new and selected poems rooted in Native American tradition.

“The poems in this book reflect my deep respect for and appreciation of words. . . . I believe that poetry is the highest form of verbal expression. Although I have written in other forms, I find that poems are what I want and need most to read and write. They give life to my mind.”

One of the most important and unique voices in American letters, distinguished poet, novelist, artist, teacher, and storyteller N. Scott Momaday was born into the Kiowa tribe and grew up on Indian reservations in the Southwest. The customs and traditions that influenced his upbringing—most notably the Native American oral tradition—are the centerpiece of his work.

This luminous collection demonstrates Momaday’s mastery and love of language and the matters closest to his heart. To Momaday, words are sacred; language is power. Spanning nearly fifty years, the poems gathered here illuminate the human condition, Momaday’s connection to his Kiowa roots, and his spiritual relationship to the American landscape.

The title poem, “The Death of Sitting Bear” is a celebration of heritage and a memorial to the great Kiowa warrior and chief. “I feel his presence close by in my blood and imagination,” Momaday writes, “and I sing him an honor song.” Here, too, are meditations on mortality, love, and loss, as well as reflections on the incomparable and holy landscape of the Southwest.

The Death of Sitting Bear evokes the essence of human experience and speaks to us all.

Powerful Collection, Well Performed

N. Scott Momaday's voice is a power of its own, and so are his words. The 100 haikus alone are worth the read. But the book as a whole is worthy. A great book that I come back to often.

Like going to the real Church

Poetry volumes don’t always lend themselves to the audio format. This one does. To hear Mr. Momaday share his own work gives it its proper voice. Thanks.

His voice, words and life are truly treasures

Momaday is man, but his words and his voice are not of this earth. This new collection of poems provided my first experience with his poetry. What an experience indeed. A lifelong novel and biography reader, interested in anything and everything- stories set the world over, I didn’t think I could be gripped by poetry. Not only did I deeply feel the words of Momaday’s poetry, I felt that I understood it with an awareness that I didn’t know within me.
Furthermore, the fact that he narrates this piece himself gives the recording a guaranteed authenticity. I know I am reading/hearing the poem as he wants me to, and I glean meaning from his tone. His voice is incredibly powerful, and somehow seems to be a work of art in itself.
I recently saw “Words From a Bear,” which is the PBS American Masters biography of Momaday. I recommend any reader/listener watch this film, as he is simply a pleasure to know and learn about if only on film and by voice. I’m so pleased to have gifted myself the privilege of getting to know Momaday’s work.

an honor to listen

and hear the shaman of deep thoughts and medicine words.
thank you, n. scott momaday, tsoai talee.

What a wonderful listen…

This wonderful book of poetry will bring peace to any listener. To quote a couple of haikus from the the chapter titled “A Century of Impressions”:

A book of poems
Arrived in the afternoon
Bound excitement

One hundred haiku
Elemental exercise
To nourish the mind

In the beginning
The sound of the spoken word
The roll of thunder

Thank you M Scott Momaday