Artwork by Natalie Doud “Yin Yang Heart”, 2015

When this is over

May we never again
Take for granted
A handshake with a stranger
Full shelves at the store
Conversations with the neighbors
A crowded theatre
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

– Laura Kelly Fanucci