She Who Dances in the Rain
One Drop = One Heart = One Ally
I began her this spring as part of an Intentional Creativity® series called Heart of Gold which examined women and their under representation in biblical texts. The project began as Our Lady of Living Water.
Then George Floyd was murdered.
I stopped cold. She wanted me to do some work on my privilege. I sure did.
She Who Dances in the Rain
60”x48” Acrylic on Canvas
This painting contains more that 1500 prayer dots, each marked while listening to the names of black people who have died at the hands of police.
So much grief. So much strength.
She Who Dances in the Rain
Natalie Moyes
Do you see me?
Do you see me now?
I have thrown off the umbrella,
that object of good intention
meant to protect me from the rain.
You didn’t see
the harm in the umbrella.
I’d like to believe that.
I’d like to hope you meant well.
But you and I both know that’s not the case.
I can’t do what must be done
when I have to hold onto
something that’s not mine to hold.
Something that gets in the way.
A shelter which collapses in a sudden gust.
Funny about wind.
You can’t see it.
You only know its presence by
the effect it has passing through,
dangers unknown, but results devastating.
My ancestors danced in the rain.
This is the water of creation.
The essential water of life.
The messy water of birth.
The sacred water of ritual.
The wide, turbulent water of curiosity and conveyance.
The is the water of me, and of you.
The same water for eternity,
present at the big bang,
present at the great flood,
present long after humans no longer walk the earth.
Water is cleansing.
It washes away layers of grime
from everyday living.
Layers that dull our brightness,
Layers that become a barometer of worth.
I rejoice I too can dance in the rain.
My hands are now free
to catch this living water,
to bathe in promises to come,
to drink and prepare for hard work,
to cool the flames of racism.
Imagine if each tiny drop
was the heart of an awakened person.
One who recognized –
the connection of all things,
the imbalance of haves and have nots,
the responsibility to earth and all her creatures.
Most won’t notice a drop or two.
Many together, like a shower,
can replenish parched earth, encourage new growth.
But a deluge transforms the landscape.
Let it rain.
Let it rain.
Let it rain.
Will you join me in the dance in the rain?
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