39 February 25 - March 10, 2022
FUN
Explore Big Sky
American Life in Poetry BY KWAME DAWES There is in Jericho Brown’s vast poetic mythology, a series of touchstone terms that are rich with resonance. The word crossing refers, in part, to the grand crossing of the Atlantic in the “Middle Passage,” to the many rivers crossed by those fleeing enslavement, and finally to the great crossing from this mortal territory to the other unknown territory that we must all make. And in this poem, “Crossing,” he reminds us that above everything else, confidence, faith (“more than a conqueror”), courage and wreckless optimism (“I am the one who leaps”) are good companions on this journey.
Crossing BY JERICHO BROWN The water is one thing, and one thing for miles. The water is one thing, making this bridge Built over the water another. Walk it Early, walk it back when the day goes dim, everyone Rising just to find a way toward rest again. We work, start on one side of the day Like a planet’s only sun, our eyes straight Until the flame sinks. The flame sinks. Thank God I’m different. I’ve figured and counted. I’m not crossing To cross back. I’m set On something vast. It reaches Long as the sea. I’m more than a conqueror, bigger Than bravery. I don’t march. I’m the one who leaps.
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BIG SKY
BEATS
Snowstorms and Sunshine BY TUCKER HARRIS
“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.”
– Charles Dickens, “Great Expectations”
Montanans often like to crack the joke, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes.” March weather in particular can be temperamental: One day its 50 degrees and sunny, the next it’s below freezing and (hopefully) dropping fresh snow onto Lone Mountain for us to play in. Whether you’re ready for spring skiing or are still praying to the snow gods for more snow, March will likely have you covered in every kind of climate. Explore Big Sky brings you a playlist of mountain songs to listen to whether you’re soaking in the vitamin D or bundling up for a spring adventure. 1. “Seasons” by Whitacre 2. “The Wolves & The Ravens” by Rogue Valley 3. “Mountain Sound” by Of Monsters and Men 4. “After the Storm” by Mumford & Sons 5. “Saturday Sun” by Vance Joy 6. “Agape” by Bear’s Den 7. “The Mtn. Song” by Rayland Baxter 8. “Changes” by Langhorne Slim and The Law 9. “Road Song” by Zane Christopher 10. “Open Season” by High Highs 11. “Bloom – Bonus Track” by The Paper Kites 12. “Turntable” by Dead Horses