Wind

Steel 35″ x 35″ x 7″
Wood base 35″ x 10″ x 7″

When the wind stirs, a Native American’s thought turns toward the Great Spirit. May the sound of this wind-chime do the same.

These are the thoughts and this is the prayer of Chief Yellow Lark (Lacota).

Oh, Great Spirit,
whose voice I hear in the winds
and whose breath gives life to all the world, hear me.
I am small and weak.
I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes
ever behold the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have made
and my ears sharp to hear your voice.
Make me wise so that I may understand
the things you have taught my people.
Let me learn the lessons you have hidden
in every leaf and rock.
I seek strength, not to be superior to my brother,
but to fight my greatest enemy – myself.
Make me always ready to come to you
with clean hands and straight eyes,
so when life fades, as the fading sunset,
my spirit will come to you
without shame.

The photo was taken in summer. The piece itself is set in winter. The branches of the tree are bare. The clapper is moved by three feathers. The piece is of steel that rests on an alder wood base.