With all the terrible things that have happened in the world this past year, everyone is anxious for it to end. We often feel guilty when experiencing moments of joy or any form of elation
when our fellow human beings are suffering. But letting ourselves feel joy when it arises is a crucial part of our collective healing. One of the tools I have found useful and inspiring is reading poetry about the human condition that allows me to sift through the anguish and hold onto the joy of being alive. Poetry is like medicine for the soul. It can inspire hope that the reality of something horrific that on various levels has affected us all won’t last forever, and that change is on the horizon if we are willing to work for it or give it time. Even a glimmer of hope during a time of hopelessness is the solace we all seek.
One glimmer of hope is offered in the poem by Laura Kelly Fanucci, a nationally syndicated columnist, “Faith at Home,” that went viral this year:
“When this is over, may we never take for granted
A handshake with a stranger
Full shelves at the store
Conversations with neighbors
A crowded theater
Friday night out
The taste of communion
A routine checkup
The school rush each morning
Coffee with a friend
The stadium roaring
Each deep breath
A boring Tuesday
Life itself
When this ends
May we find that we have become
More like the people
We wanted to be
We were called to be
We hoped to be
And may we stay that way—better
For each other
Because of the worst.”
Peace, Love, and Light
Dennis & Cecile
Postscript: Photos of us babysitting our Granddaughter Lyla taken in Redwood City, CA
She is still enjoying the Christmas decorations in the neighborhood.
