Thunder rolled from his wings and lightning
shot from his eyes. He soared on black wings
before the approaching storm. Many nations
have included the thunderbird in one form or
another in their lore. His shape varied and his
legends spread. His powerful symbol became
a totem for the most powerful of men.
   The thunderbird occurs often in Native
American petroglyphs and pictographs, where
I met him. The bird man of Pinon Canyon must
have known the bird's power, as he carved
himself with claws instead of hands.
   Working within a tight format, I accepted the
risk of using a cliché motif. I researched the
traditional images, seeking the personal and the
powerful. Looking past the thunderbirds, I found
the inspiration: the birds and the sky. I saw the
swallow in stone, the nighthawk on Writing Rock,
and the eagle at Wall with Writing.
   Nighthawks soar before the storm. Eagles ride
the updraft.  Etched into stone, thunderbird's wings
roar through dark clouds. Swallows glisten in the
wind. Wood ducks rise into the dawn. Frozen in
red ochre, the lightning flashes connect sky and
earth. The thunderbird's toothed beak reached out
of the clouds. The storm passes furiously. The
violent storm leaves renewal and growth in its wake.
Green returns one more year.  The Thunderbird is
an image most needed for our time.