The great state of Idaho was named with the help of the Shoshone Indian words: ee dah how, the sun is coming down the mountain. I think it's so beautiful that it deserves a special poem. I submitted this to the book, The Best Poems and Poets of 2003.

Red Man rode upon the open range
Beneath the sun in the silent rain.
Now his spirit rides upon a silver cloud
Upon his painted pony, tall and proud.

Red Man sings into the wind
As he gazes in a silvery fountain,
"Ee dah how--the sun is coming down the mountain."
He raises his hand
Salutes the golden wonder
Dances with the song of the rain
Chants with the bold thunder.

"Ee dah how" Shoshone chants that night has fallen.
The spirit of the forefathers are softly calling.
The sacred thunderbird
Flies bold against golden-hued skies
The mighty Snake River rolls swiftly on by.

The Shoshone tipi is still
Campfires burn very bright
Red Man sits in silver silence
Exploring the wonders of the night.
He's waiting for his brother the sun
To climb the mountain peak
To shine so golden upon his proud skin
To put the shimmer back in his creek.

Ee dah how--the sun is coming down the mountain.