Benefits in Hard Times

In July, I won a First Place Prize for this poem, along with 2 other winners (the chooser couldn’t decide ?). We even received $50 gift certificates for the only remaining metaphysical bookstore (that I know of) still operating in the Monterey Bay area. Writing amateurs like myself actually winning something is rare~and felt good!

The theme was “The Path of Awakening” through the pandemic. I wanted my entry to have wide appeal; however this is not my usual type of poetry. Thus I thought my poem was overly simplistic & needed a lot of work. Also I was aware that it focused solely on the positives and was not acknowledging all of the suffering that has occured for many through this time. So, I felt unsure about sharing it elsewhere.

But this week I got to run it by a gathering of some amazing poets, all of whom I trust completely as they are a perfectly critical bunch (in the BEST sense of the word). They loved it and only suggested a couple of teeny changes. They felt it did exactly what it set out to do, focusing on the positives that can be gleaned. I am so happy that this group of bright minds approved, as I now feel confident to give it wider airing.

So I am sharing it with you today, and hope, that as we enter month 8 or so of the pandemic in the USA and most of the western world,  it may be of help to you and yours.

Evolution

While sheltering in place
I have been called to recognize
more deeply:

Attentiveness~
to the soft, frightened part,
giving her voice, time,
and ample space
as often as it takes.

Gratefulness~
thanking those who daily serve:
the teachers, health care, sanitation,
grocery, postal workers;
and so many more, unnamed.

Service~
the best being brought out;
neighbors helping strangers
shopping for those who can’t,
making masks to give away.

Connecting~
loved ones I’ve not seen, talked with
in years — suddenly, it matters,
and I realize it always did,
now that we visit by phone or Web.

Heart Opening~
my love wider than ever
as I see worldwide creativity,
humor, media, re-imagined
with suppleness by the human family.

Honoring Elders~
who would have thought
in our youth obsessed culture
more attention to needs; checking on,
special considerations, shopping hours.

Right Livelihood~
supporting locally-owned businesses
buying gift certificates or donating,
whether open or not. For other needs
choosing the most ethical options.

Privilege~
noticing how much I have
here on the sparkling Central Coast
breathing ocean air and green beauty,
able to stretch my legs, stroll, hike.

Resilience~
simple things matter:
food forgotten now used,
learning to do classes online,
conserving toilet paper!

Pleasures~
breathing deeply, I, here and now
in my senses, noticing more;
music vibrates cellular healing,
garden food~ tasting each bite.

Protection~
knowing when to turn away
from news, from data
discerning what is helpful from
what generates fear.

Making excellent boundaries
in this and all things.

~
Quietly, deeper grooves have been set
as what I have needed to do
during this time is, turns out,
what I needed to do anyway;

this deepening of holy values
a dress rehearsal for a new way
of life and community,
of noticing, caring, sharing.

Through cleansing rains, mystic clouds of winter
to long sunny days as summer nears
these months have quickly evolved me.
I bow to what I have been given.