“Lyon Woman” by Vijali Hamilton
2020
the year of the Coronavirus
In the fields of life
I have made myself strong
as a lyon, beautiful of face.
Sun giver of life, flame of fire,
come forward in my body,
my divine house. You are
more than the light in temples,
You are my strength inside.
I have made transformations
all at the dictates of my heart.
With my name upon water
may I join Thee who made
me come into being.
I wait for the season of ripening.
With gifts I come before you
to walk among the living.
Come to the fields of life,
lay your grief upon my body
and your heart against mine.
Come, let us make for ourselves
an hour lying down among trees
of juniper and scent of pine, among
stones of granite and a running stream—
our mouths to the earth rejoicing.
Let us live in the company of flames.
Inspired by the Egyptian Book of the Dead and my time in Egypt, 1989. Egypt was a difficult country for me. Traveling alone as a single woman I was attacked twice. A divine force rose out of myself to protect my life. From the strength I felt, this song has risen to my lips.
____________________
Share your response to this work, in any form, here
Vijali Hamilton Artist Statement:
For the past thirty-five years, Vijali Hamilton has worked and taught around the world as an artist/poet peacemaker. She collaborates with diversified communities and utilizes her skills as a sculptor, filmmaker, poet, musician, and author. Vijali started her World Wheel Project, Global Peace Through the Arts in 1986 to further explore the role that community-based art can play in building a world at peace.
Vijali gives seminars and retreats on meditation and the creative process, internationally and at her World Wheel Center outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
