Native American Series

Dragonfly Weather

Lois Red Elk

 With the launch of her new book, Dragonfly Weather, Lois Red Elk proves herself a consummate storyteller. With lyrical words and magical images, she draws the reader into a primeval, watery world of warm swamps, spiraling whirl winds, and fog to experience her journey in time and space. Her dreams, ears, and eyes become attuned to the ancient call of dragonflies, who exhorted her to be “swift in worth,” to “find value” in this new dragonfly season—to “Dance in dragonfly style, dodge dangers thrown / dare a step with lightening strike.” I am grateful to Lois that she has shared these sacred clan stories with us. We’la’lin.

Henry Real Bird’s poems are of the moment and thus timeless. We look to Henry for a check of the pulse of things coded in words that work to decipher what he often calls “feelings.” But are they more like soundings of the heart and of the earth? And then again are they poems, songs, or prayers? All I know is I’m glad they are preserved. 

—Hal Cannon, Founding Director, Western Folklife Center