Jim Andris, Facebook

Sun on the Water

Having been taught that our bodies must be concealed lest we invite assault, a woman can but seldom know the play of wind about her shoulders …

© Glenda Dilley/Cea Hearth, June, 1980

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This is the shortest song on my little concert here. It was formed in two different settings. Back in June I went to a women's music festival and camped with about 300 other women in this small place called the Tin Cup Campground, or something like that. And since rape is not a crime among women, we're free to let the sun and the wind shine on their bodies. So I did that. I got up early one morning and went down to this lake. I could cast off my shirt 'cause it was alright. It was nice. In August—I did about half of this before then—in August I went on a four day canoe trip by myself, and on the aftermath of that, I finished this song. This is a real nice little song.

Sun on the water looks so fine
Wind on these shoulders that are mine
   And I feel fine
   And I feel fine

Water gently lapping on the shore
Travellin cross a green and mossy floor
   And I feel better than before
   And I feel better than before

Rocks in a pile over there
Passing the seasons without care
And this wisdom will I share
And this wisdom will I share

Trees move in concert with the air
The Mother keeps them rooted for her hair
   And I see beauty everywhere
   And I see beauty everywhere