Unless you live in the Southwest, ravens are noisy maligned creatures.  Their squawk is strident. They are also a little menacing as they sit on high perches ready to swoop down whenever a meal is in sight. Few seem to admire them with the same interest we bestow on songbirds or those of color.

Evidently ravens are among the smartest of all birds. They play, solve problems, and communicate well. There is even the theory that they pass on some life-saving behaviors to their offspring genetically (rather than having to teach the young).  In other words, ravens are smart.

Little wonder that some Native American peoples depict ravens in human form. I follow that tradition. My raven is dressed as an aristocrat, even regal in bearing.. Her cope is gold, her tunic burgundy.   Her hand rests over her heart.

This raven is my reminder to look twice at everyone and everything.