day of the dead

 a sacred space for the evening bringing old friends together to build this alter, inviting new friends to join in celebration and ritual in the evening, the carpets in front of the alter command respect and the crowds pause to gaze at the alter's beauty, some stay longer, take off their shoes, sit down and join in the communal music making that takes place later in the evening, we pass the mike around as people take turns singing and rapping their thoughts backed by electric tamburas, african drums, ethereal guitar and middle eastern scales on the accordion, what a blessing to create beauty and attract the sacred