Thunderbolts

By Sahana Prabu

Posted on April 1, 2026

Cover Image Title: Thunderbolts

Cover Image by: Kendahl Monix

Classification: Digital Artwork

Specifications: 767 X 1185 pixels

Year: 2026

Location: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.

Lewis’ and Clark’s voyage was over 200 years ago. What you don’t 

know is the week before their expedition, Lewis’ medical advisor 

Benjamin Rush predicted that over the course of their journey, 

hunting was the only chance of food, 

meaning loads of protein and maybe freckles of protein.

It also meant even on a feather edge, 

trying to “go” might be an arm-breaking ordeal. 

The Great Rush already knew that nature

demands more than just logs of protein 

before patents even came into existence, 

Rush claimed he’d patented his own pills that were meant to

wash out bad humors in a wink.

Thus, Lewis was armed with “Rush’s Thunderbolts” for his expedition. 

And they did clean out the system. Eruptively. 

hang open your mouths because little did we know 

Rush’s Thunderbolts had mercury. 

If you pop one in, to no surprise, the mercury 

would scream to be let out anteriorly or posteriorly; you don’t decide.

And that's how we know of the Lewis and Clark trail to expedition

We found traces of mercury in the soil spilled here and there.

After this story, my American history teacher appeared a teaching goddess 

I then understood what poets meant 

when they wrote of piercing eyes. 

Hers were icicles churning around in a whirlpool. 

Hands on her knees, she’d cry at the picture

of a corrupt official on the promethean board.

If a rhino was chasing a lion, her mind was chasing epiphanies.

Over the years, I’ve realized it's not just 

my history teacher that captures my mind.

It was 2 years ago but I still remember my dance teacher’s sturdy form

stride onto the stage after our finale performance

She started her speech confessing 

She lost the dance costume orders a day before the performance.

I saw her sprout a dimple on my dads cheek who sat in the 

backseats of the auditorium. 

Her daughters appeared behind her with red tulips. 

And when I saw her face twitch from surprise to a painstakingly beautiful smile,

I wanted to ask her if she knew that in my eyes, 

She's just a child who says yes to love and nose rings.

I want to ask if she knows she makes me cry happy tears in my bathroom

at home from all the words she says to me. 

Inspiration is a memory and it’s beautiful how it comes

from an everyday history teacher who takes pictures of artifacts in 

museums to show her students,

from a cashier at the grocery store with a child on her hip

or your dad who sticks sliced fruit in the fridge for you everyday

and your neighbor who drops a handful of Halloween candy into 

every kid's bucket as if all the chocolate in the world was his.

Description: 

This poem is mainly about how people make an effort for others and simply have a passion for what they do, which is so inspiring. They are what make me want to live a fulfilling life. This poem shows how, over time, I have come to realize this again and again.

[ Writing Editor: J.Y.  ]