99 Ceramic Beads

In the scorching heat of the day

We are pleased to be inside the gallery

One of the favourite of Iris and Ben

Sculptures out of stone that look

Like old timber, some with lizards standing on

We sit on stools at a stone table

Huge, cut lengthwise, patiently chiselled out

So nine fish appear to swim around

In the water we find out is tea

The artist and his sister sit opposite us

Pour tea presented to us in tiny paper cups

Then a paintbrush

Tea to drink, brush to gather water/tea from the sculpture floor

Paint the fish to give them their color

And for us - good luck

Different languages but same hearts

Two artist face each other

Iris explains what I am doing here

Without thinking this artist sitting opposite me

Offers me 99 hand-painted ceramic beads

Hanging on tasselled, beautifully knotted cord

We go outside and hold the bead

In the sun, then come back inside

To see it glow in cupped hands

99 beads of peace to sell or give away

To help One Mind One Voice

We hug and know we will

See more of each other

We just don't know when

All we know is we are artists - we are one

Always united in our stand.

                                                            copyright Kerry Bowden 2003


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