Yesterday at the Thursday Berkeley Farmers' Market, I get into a conversation with Karamoo and Amina who are sitting on the sidewalk. After getting my favorite breads from Eduardo Morell, first apples from Bernie, mushrooms and eggplants, I listen to Karamoo playing the kora. His partner Amina stands up and dances with me under a blue sky – I feel transported. The exquisite music from Mali is delicate and joyous, flows like a river; the sounds and harmonies open the heart. Amina smiles, showing me her graceful soul as we communicate through movement, we float…. As it ends, she declares the song a dedication to earth, a praise of its beauty. We bow. Danke schön :)
When You Feel Afraid When i feel afraid i become a hare at dusk small and white and soft exploring the fields of life learning to bolt, turn corners escaping fitful deadly dangers quickly recognizing helpers i nuzzle and restore When you feel afraid i become an owl at sunset sailing silently through oaks scanning cool air and ground speedily i carry medicine to those in silenced need of swift miracles calmly sensing their despair i gather and embrace When i feel afraid i become a little girl at midnight tracing paw prints with my fingers counting stars as close friends of mine feeling insanely safe amidst explosions with invisible fierce feet i run and run abruptly stop, rendered helpless i remember and snuggle When you feel afraid i become a raindrop before dawn letting myself fall and fall and fall along the way touching in with clouds breeze and branches, multiplied by sunrise gently i land on fragrant quince tree blossoms and on your cheek, languidly evap...
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