When we were taken away from each other
We realized how much
We need each other.
When everything was taken away
But the Earth
We realized how much
We need the Earth.
When our jobs were taken away
We prayed for a world that would let us fall into its’ arms
A system that would support us.
When our travel was banned
We were reminded of the sweet simplicity in a long phone call
With our grandpas
Over a cup of tea
And the birds were reminded
Of clear skies to roam.
When schools were closed
Meals were taken away
From our youth
And they wondered
With teary eyes
When the world would decide to hold them
If they would ever live in a society
That wanted them to succeed.
When they told us our elders were at risk
Our hearts began to crack
Over the thought that the stories
And wisdom
Engrained in their bones
Would no longer be able to welcome us
Into their holiness.
When our healthcare workers
Showed up day after day
With hopeful, persevering eyes
And loving, devoted hands to serve
We prayed for them each night
Our true warriors.
When hugs were discouraged
We remembered
How lucky we are
To have branches called arms
To wrap around other beating hearts.
When they told us to stock up
On supplies
We realized how little we really need
We always had an extra roll of toilet paper
Another gallon of milk
A loaf of bread
To give.
We realized how simple it all is,
Really.
When they told us to stop,
We stopped.
Couples made love for the first time in months
Families ate slowly at the table
With no rush
Passed bread and butter
Over soft smiles
Of those
Trying their best.
Kids asked their caretakers
To tell them a story
Of their lives
While they sat
And listened
With eager, imaginative ears
And they began to see a human
Inside of every grown up
Because we too, were scared.
We woke to natural light
Instead of blaring alarms
Rising slowly
Unsure of what the day would bring.
We rode bikes
We danced on balconies
We sang into the black of night.
We walked towards nothing
Remembered what it is like
To journey without the intent of a destination
Remembered who we are
Without traffic
Meetings
Happy hour.
We found a park
Put our feet on the grass turning green
Below us
Looked up at the sky
And peaking in through the clouds
We were embraced
By a small
Sliver
Of light.
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