Thunderbird

Wide frightened eyes watched white lightning

stitch ragged seams across grim skies.

Each stark flicker preceded by a

thunderous boom rattling windows,

startling hearts in the shaking room.

Past angry clouds a shadow flew, huge wings

flapping and the children knew from all the

ancient tales they'd heard, it was the monster

Thunder Bird.

From coast to coast across the land, legends

grew from each native band about the mighty eagle

that blinked fire and created thunder with its wings.

The Kwakwaka'wakw, Bella Coola and the Haida

all new it but by a different name. As well did the

Ojibwa and Chippewa but the creature was the same.

Even a coast away Mi'kmaq, Passamaquoddy and

Maliseet, Montagnais and Naskapi in smoky lodges

with children at their feet, recounted tales of

the fearsome bird that lived atop a craggy peak.

Tree branches and human bone formed the enormous

nest the bird called home, only leaving to hunt

for food but when denied, created havoc and

heaven cried.

The giant wings disrupted air sending fiery bolts

everywhere and raging storms, over which

could be heard, the angry roar of the

Thunder Bird.

Now huddled in a shivering group 'neath blankets

not one dared to snoop as the shadow blotted

out the light making it a darker night. Parents pushed

the shutters closed so no life inside would be

exposed, chanting ancient prayers heavenward

to protect them from the wrath of the

Thunder Bird.