Rah Rah Parades in Haiti
- Rosemary Williams
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
by Rosemary Williams
Layers and layers of energy surround us
unseen, unknown, unavailable to the eye,
but very real to the impulses of a fly walking on the page of my book.
The fly that knew the words I wanted and sat on them, again and again.
Despite the fact that I swatted it away at least three times.
Finally, I wondered, is it possible he’s showing me something?
Indeed, that fly was sitting on the words I needed for my report.
How did my thought reach that little fly?
Years later, we traveled from Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haïtien
In two tiny cars, which were switched for the van specified in the rental agreement.
We drove for six hours over narrow, unpaved country roads with enormous potholes.
My traveling companions and I were more than uncomfortable as we bounced along.
Frightened when we came upon a crowd in the middle of the road.
Costumed people, men with painted faces and machetes tied to their belts.
Machetes didn’t frighten me. I’ve watched fathers peel oranges for their children with them.
It was Sunday, in Lent, in Haiti. Rah, Rah, parades were common.
Villagers dressed in feathers, painted their faces and wore masks.
Everyone danced in the streets, made music on horns and drums and drank.
As we approached the small town, the musicians, dancers and children
surrounded our cars and demanded money. They rocked the cars back and forth.
Alarmed, terrified, and panicked, we feared for our lives.
Our driver knew better - this was Haiti, on a Sunday, in Lent
and this was a poor village celebrating with musicians and dancers.
He commanded, “Do not go into their energy.
Do not look into their eyes and DO NOT enter their energy.”
Many masked, feathered, painted faces surrounded us.
The drumming was so loud our organs were keeping the beat.
The car rocked from side to side and almost rolled over
as our driver repeated again and again: “Do not go into their energy!”
What? “DO NOT GO INTO THEIR ENERGY.”
Ah ha! The fly phenomenon! Energy in layers, multiple layers.
I understood the layers and found my own safe, energetic space,
avoiding the chaotic energy of the singing, drumming villagers.
I thought of the fly and found the quiet energy above the music.
The others felt the vibrational shift inside the car and knew they were ok.
The driver and I held the space. The rocking stopped, the men stepped aside,
and we proceeded along the road, feeling rattled but safe.
Ten years of visiting Haiti on transformational trips transformed me.
I fell in love with the country, battered and bruised as it was.
The Creole language and the drumbeat showed me the rhythm of their lives and mine.
I would fall asleep in Port-au-Prince listening to the beating of the village drums and feel safe.
Over the years, my body has become aware of the energetic layers we live in.
Today, flies and bees, plants, and flowers have become the vibrational messengers
I listen when I sit quietly, observe the day, and let the adventure of my life unfold.
***
Rosemary Williams is the founder and Executive Director of Women’s Perspective, an Interfaith Minister, a Millionth Circle convener, former banker, financial planner, and delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. She is the author of The Women’s Book on Money and Spiritual Vision and Economic Empowerment Training for Women.
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