What if you thought of all this uncertainty

as we Jews consider the Sabbath—

As a sacred space in time?

Stop travelling

Stop buying and selling.

Stop working.

Give up, just for now,

trying to make the world

better than it is.

Instead, Sing. Dance. Pray.

Write songs and read poetry.

Paint the pictures from your eyes.

Walk amongst the leaves and the stars.

Touch only those to whom you’ve committed your life.

Sit down.

And when your mind  and body  are still,

reach out with your heart.

Know that we are all connected in ways that are both terrifying and beautiful.

You can’t  deny that now.

Do not reach out with your hands.

Reach out with your heart.

Reach out with your words.

Reach out with all the curled tendrils

of compassion that connect invisibly,

where we cannot touch each other.

Promise this world your love

for better or for worse,

in sickness and in health,

For as long as we all shall live

In this moment of mass uncertainty.    

© Igor Goldkind 2020 Pandemic