A rare blend of history and art, Buffalo Dance is a unique collection of persona poems that tell the story of the infamous Lewis and Clark expedition from the point of view of Clark's slave, York. Breathing lyrical life into an important but often ignored historical figure, these poems form a narrative of York's saga -- a journey from slavery to freedom, from the plantation to the great northwest, from humble servant to soul yearning to be free.While referencing actual historical dates, events, landmarks, journal entries, and published quotes from other members of the party, acclaimed Affrilachian poet Frank X Walker fictionalizes York's thoughts, dreams, hopes, fears, and desires to reveal an individual who embodies incredible inner strength in spite of his status as a slave, is reverential of the great outdoors, full of pathos yet compassionate and ultimately heroic.