Tampa Bay, Florida Submitted by: Edie Daly |
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) |