I thought it looked like a ballet dancer leaving the earth in one of those gravity defying spins. I didn't get to the thunder bolt part though.
I live in a town that is rapidly developing. It is not a city so I don't think it qualifies. The thing with most towns is the balance of nature and urban dwelling. There are asphalt roads, concrete walk ways, houses for miles then there are forests and some are thick that when you peer through no light reflects on its face. Hunters still go there hunting after small animals.
Apart from this though, the sound of animals, chickens, goats, birds, are a constant part of our life over here. It is common place even in big cities. So we never truly cut ourselves away from nature. Although we sometimes choose not to listen to it.
Now you mention it, I'd have to agree!
I love the fact that you have that balance between town and nature, to be honest I'm so accustomed to the city that I don't think I could actually live in the countryside, but I definitely like being close enough to go and hang there for hours, days, or even weeks.
Cg