| Tampa Bay, Florida
On March 8, 2003 we Gathered The Women in a little park
beside the still waters of Tampa Bay near the Gulf of Mexico
in St. Petersburg Florida. There were about 30 of us from
the youngest woman age of 12 to the old women who are in their
70's. It was a very easy afternoon. The sun shone brightly
and there was a little breeze that fluttered the palm trees
and the ribbons from the mouths of the peace doves that we
hung on the posts of the Shade Pavilion.
Our Banner with the words "Women in Black Stand for
Peace" hung from the top of the shelter; its silver letters
shining in the early afternoon sun. We talked in small circles,
sometimes of peace and also of important things that are happening
in our lives. We are all women who care about the future of
our planet. Music filled the air from a portable player. As
the afternoon progressed, women ate the food that we had brought
and enjoyed each others company together.
Then several men approached with a young girl. She was perhaps
5 or 6. In her innocent hands, she held one end of a large
American Flag. The other end was held in her father's hand.
They approached us walking across the green grassy hill. There
were several other men with flags. They began saying that
they wanted us to leave "their" park. That they
did not want to hear that we were against war. They said that
we are unpatriotic. They began to argue and yell at us.
Spontaneously we women began to make a circle. We all rose
up out of our chairs and joined hands. Lynn Carol began to
tell the story of Ancient Woman. She spoke about Ancient Woman's
strength and her inner power. As she spoke, we all paid attention
to her words ignoring the chants and jeers that came from
the men that continued to try to drown out her words. Our
focus inward, and toward each other deflected their energy
and they left as they had come, but still hanging around in
the periphery.
We continued to listen to the story. We sang songs that were
woven into the saga, like "You can't kill the spirit,
she's like a mountain, old and strong, she goes on and on."
And Lynn Carol went on with the story. "She changes everything
she touches, and everything she touches, changes". Our
chant went out as we circled drawing in the energy of Lynn
Carol's words. "She is part of us and we are part of
her," she said. "Her ancient wisdom is in each of
us creating a space for peace to grow." Then we sang,
"Hinay ma tov u‚ma-nah-eem" (Behold how good
and pleasant it is for women to gather together) sung in Hebrew.
Ancient, loving, strong. Connecting with our sisters Women
in Black in the middle east.
Then the police arrived. "Did someone call from here?",
they asked. "Yes", Diane said, "but we used
Woman 101 and sent them away." Over her shoulder I could
see the men in their silver truck leaving. Thanks were offered
to the police. And they got back into their cruiser and golf
cart and we went back to our circle.
We closed with a blessing of ourselves and "Let there
be Peace on earth and let it begin with me." We opened
our circle and looked toward the silver water of the harbor.
Two dolphins were swimming in the sparkling bay; their smooth
backs gleamed in late afternoon sun as their sleek bodies
broke the surface. The presence of the Dolphins reminded us
that we want peace in the world for all her creatures.
Lovingly to all the women that gathered together in solidarity,
Edie Daly,
Gulfport Florida, USA
(GTW244)
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