He was once a shining name
A rider of the open sky
A hero in the dust and light
Buffalo Bill’s lived like a legend
He rode a silver stallion
Swift as a river of wind
Crowds watched in wonder
He shot the pigeons fast
One two three four five
Like magic in his hands
They called him brave
They called him strong
They called him beautiful
Buffalo Bill’s was fearless
His blue eyes held fire
His smile held pride
But time walks quietly
Even legends grow silent
Even cheers fade away
Now he is only a memory
A whisper in history
A shadow in the dust
Buffalo Bill’s lies still
No horse beneath him now
No gun in his hand
The poet asks softly
O Mister Death
Do you feel proud
You took the bright star
You took the handsome man
You took the hero away
Fame could not save him
Speed could not save him
Applause could not save him
We remember his story
We remember his glory
We remember his fall
Life shines for a moment
Then night covers all
And silence answers
“Buffalo Bill’s” Summary
Buffalo Bill’s is a short poem by E. E. Cummings about the death of Buffalo Bill. The poem begins with the word “defunct,” meaning dead. The poet remembers how Buffalo Bill’s rode a silver stallion and shot pigeons very quickly. He was brave, handsome, and famous.
In the end, the poet asks “Mister Death” how he likes his “blue-eyed boy.” This shows sadness and irony. The poem teaches that fame and talent cannot stop death, and everyone must face it.
