“Growth isn’t linear. We circle back, often without realizing it. Maybe we become MORE of who we are meant to be; bigger, better, a distilled version of our best selves. That would be growth. Holding on to the good, expanding it, letting go of the petty and unhealthy.
Yesterday, I was at a party hosted by dear friends who date back to the beginning of my time in Sandwich, Center Street Clay days. When that adventure derailed, they generously adopted this sculpture, giving it a permanent home in their lovely garden.
I made this two-thumbed hand with coils, round and round, a meditation while listening to music. I wrapped it with a web of words, the lyrics of Greg Brown’s Wash My Eyes. It felt like a prayer. When I saw it yesterday, the love with which it was created held me. So many things have changed since 2009. Many things are the same.
The Hand continues to silently offer a prayer, a wish, a plea for humanity. I am grateful for that.
“Wash my eyes that I may see
Yellow return to the willow tree
Open my ears that I may hear
The river running swift and clear
And please
Wash my eyes
And please
Open my ears
Wash this world that is one place
And wears a mad and fearful face
Let the cruel raging cease
Let these children sleep in peace
And please
Wash this world
And please
Let these children
Sleep in peace”
Amen.
Thanks, Jan and Alan <3