One Circle at a Time

Title:  Draw the Circles Wide

Inspiration for this piece came from a photo I took of two Masai children living in a small circular village near the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. I don't know if the children are siblings or orphans, I don't know if they moved to the outer enclave to check the cows, or to monitor for a lion that might be lurking beyond the fence that rings their village. I do know that the children were standing inside the circle, and that they belonged.

African grandmothers are drawing their circles wide--stretching beyond themselves to include orphaned children, and to take on new tasks. They are our models. They are turning the tide.

How can we draw our circles wide--stretching beyond ourselves to include all cultures, abilities, ages, and economic groups -- and, especially ensuring the inclusion of Africans? Only when the circles are wide enough to include "all", will our families, communities, countries, and world be safe and just.

“Let our hearts touch far horizons,
Let our love know no borders,
Draw the circles wide until,
No one stands alone.”

Reference: “Draw the circle wide.” Words and music, Gordon Light © 1994, Common Cup Company

Dimensions:  41" Round

Artist:   Noreen Duncan