"There's a basin, wrought of reason,tortoise dry and clean of air Where rivers hike to meet their fate, get lost and disappear Where Grand Adventure had a say and different would prevail And where only hardy life hangs on to all that it entails"
This is the first stanza of Waddie Mitchell's new poem, "Dame Nevada," written in honor of the state's 150th anniversary being celebrated this year. Waddie debuted the poem tonight at the opening show of the 30th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, an official event of the sesquicentennial celebration.
The performance was opened by Nevada's Lt. Governor Brian Krolicki, and featured Waddie with other Nevada artists, including songster Richard Elloyan, writer Carolyn Dufurrena, poet Walt "Bimbo" Cheney, and Larry Schutte singing the classic "Nighttime in Nevada."
What a great start to what will most certainly be a wonderful 30th Gathering. We hope to post much more during the event, here and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/westernfolklife) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/westernfolklife). Come join us if you can!
Dame Nevada by Waddie Mitchell_sm
