April 2020
Do the animals sense how
we’ve changed the way we live?
A doe and fawn lie on our hill,
watching us at the table, their ears
like radar dishes, alert, in case someone
pulls into the driveway. But no one does.
The coral-bellied and curled-tail
ring neck racer sidewinds
in “S” curves striving to flee from
the threat of our looming shadows.
A hawk flies low overhead,
then perches in the sycamore,
aspiring to commune; she must
have some ancient wisdom to share.
What can we learn from the animals to be applied now –
perseverance,
living the moment as it is,
concentrating on instinctual tasks like feeding our young, our old,
ourselves,
keeping loved ones safe,
contending with whatever the land, the sky and mankind brings.
We Are Told
We are told
to stay home;
if we need groceries or gas
not to congregate –
to keep a social distance of
at least six feet;
to wash our hands repeatedly;
as of yesterday
we are on lockdown,
although the rules for that
are not clear.
We are told
this is a pandemic of
dangerous proportions;
it is possible to carry the virus
and not know;
that thousands have died
in China, Italy, Iran and Spain;
in last night’s news –
fifty percent of Californians
could become infected.
So, I turn off the broadcast,
hold my dear cat,
feel his purring vibration calm me;
I take walks near our country home,
thankful for my life
and our family being together.
And I remember that
everything heals in one way or another.
And this too will pass.
Changed World
One day we wake up
in a changed world.
From abundance and sameness
to absence and fear.
What we know and have learned
no longer applies.
So, let’s pull back,
stay rooted, reassess,
and choose what is most important,
let go of our anticipated routines,
commune with nature and those we love,
practice our faith, and widen our hearts
to allow for more compassion.
We might not have definite answers for
our children, our neighbors, ourselves,
but we can search for them together.
