Pandemic

It rained and it rained and then there was a break in the clouds.
Trying to get our heads round what is happening in our world and gradually coming to decisions about how we are responding to coronavirus.
My niece Ruth sent me this reflection which I share
with you all.
I am definitely struggling with the major life changes.

Pandemic

What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath -
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.

And when your body has become still, 
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives 
are in one another's hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.

Promise this world your love -
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.

-Lynn Ungar 3/11/20 via Rebecca Solnit via Heather Berthoud via Susan Blumen