THE HERO

Women’s Circles

There was a time when women stood in circles under the stars with firelight on their faces and joined their power together to succor, support and champion each other through the pain, sorrow and joys of life. The strength of those circles seemed for a time to have dissolved and disappeared as extended families were separated, cultural lines blurred and traditions broken. But the force ran too deep in the blood for it to be extinguished by such trivial things as world cultural change. The circles have begin to reemerge, encompassing the entire planet. We join together, apart, our faces bathed in the glow of our computer monitors instead of firelight.

One night, a member of my writing group sat up with a friend named Anna who was in critical condition, battling breast cancer; at exactly the same time another member of the group waited while her daughter-in-law Angie labored with her grandchild. Messages of encouragement, prayers, blessings, the status of the labor, crossed again and again during a day and long night. Around the world, circling the entire globe - all across Australia, Europe, the United States, we watched and waited together sending energy, prayers and lighting candles. And I, wrote poems.



For Angie and Anna

Two candles, side by side I light
Whisper prayers to the trembling flames
On this still and moondark night
I speak aloud two strangers names

A world away two women strive
In conflicts old as earth and rain
They fight to keep the dream alive
Through uncertainly, fear and pain

Ancient rhythms cycling power
Of which each is a part
Unfolds firm in the darkest hour
The strength of a woman’s heart

Woman’s heart to woman’s heart
Across vast miles and time
Of this hollow hour I am a part
And your pain is mine

In crucible hours of dark unknown
Like bread upon the waters
Every woman becomes our own
Mothers, sisters, daughters

Sisters who I do not know
Possessing just your names
I feel you in the candle’s glow
Acute in the glistening flames

I send you every woman’s song
Who has fought where you now fight
Ancient music clear and strong
Full of wholeness, life and light

A song in harmony singing
Of giving and sharing profound
When each to the other is bringing
A gift that is cycled and round

Sisters who I do not know
Who battle for life in the night
May you feel that singing flow
May it’s gift glow sure and bright

May you feel the circle holding you
Strong and sweet and deep
May it’s ancient song help see you through
And bless you while you sleep


©Edwina Peterson Cross