Shelter in Place

Just as requested, we’ve sheltered in place.

We’re washing our hands, not touching our face.

Cell phones for contacts, connections with many

who’ve also stayed home, family aplenty.

Zoom chats and facetime, all while online.

Luckily now, we do have the time.

More emails and texts and you-tube reveals

to show each of us how the other guy feels.

Churches are closed, but only the doors,

for so many services live stream and more

Videoed anthems are shared one by one,

while choirs, inventive, sing out and have fun.                              

Family is valued though quarters are close.

Children see firsthand what matters the most.

Doors to our shopping are “Closed”, say the Signs.

Sales are not offered, but wait – they’re online!

Lives interrupted in so many ways,

but spirit is high for so many, each day.

Schools – video meetings, internet style.

Kids keep on learning, all of the while.

Cooking and baking – new recipes make

inventive lasagna, or good chocolate cake.

Calories exceeded, no tragedy,

just seeing what tastes good to you and to me.

For supplies, curbside pickup, an adventurous new caper. Shoppers, inventive, locate toilet paper.

Eating out – curbside, take-out, deliver

as restaurants bring out great food as the giver.

Neighbors stop by with sweet loving deeds,

“Can we get you something that you really need?”

Caregivers busy in jobs, giving care.

Service and caring are seen everywhere.

Thanks to so many, the doctors, the nurses,

the truckers, the shippers, the makers of purses,

the pastors, the chemists, the scientists too,

are all working hard for us – me and you.

In all of our spare time, we’ll look all around

and thank God for goodness that’s grown leaps and bounds.

This too one day passes, of that we’re assured,

this evil new virus will one day be cured.

Copyright Myrna Estey Coleman

                             How Do We Go On?

Father, help me find the words to paint the truth of what I’ve heard.

That people hate so much inside, they loved it when those thousands died.

We can’t believe it could be true.  We agonize and look to You.

How can they do such cruel acts?  Where do they get their cold hard facts?

My heart is filled with many things, it’s hard to speak, it’s hard to sing.

The depth of what I feel today is shared by others in all ways.

We almost can’t just carry on.  Our jobs, our games – just don’t belong.

But that’s the way we start to heal, that’s the day You start to seal the sadness,

when it’s down and deep.

You ask no more but that we give our lives to You.  That’s when we live.

You’ll comfort us right when we grieve.  You’re there with us, when we believe

that Life, our life, belongs to You.  It’s precious when we know it’s true

that Your way, Lord is nothing more than knowing You, what love is for.

We hurt for many who have died.  We’re heartsick, angry, and have tried

to get by daily.  That’s what it takes.  We hope You’ll “fix-it” when it breaks.

So Father, prayers are heading straight to You, prayers for others and for us too.

How do we find the joy, the love?  Where do we look – except above?

Please be with us as we pray.  Please surround us everyday

With strength to get us through this time, with peace that offers all a sign

that You’re the one who’s in control, that You’re the way to save our souls.

Lord, turn this act of hate around so that Your love is all that’s found.

So people know, what else they’ve got, Your love is there, no matter what.

The answer, You’ve just given me.  The only way for them to see

Is for all of us who love You so, to keep on daily, then they’ll know

There is no way to kill Your love.  There is no day that You can’t move

the earth and all the people in it, to take the time, to the last minute.

Lord, please be with us on this day and show us how to work, to play,

so You’re the center of our hearts – You – the giver of new starts.

That whether pain and agony, indifference or just apathy

creeps into people whom we meet, then we can offer You, so sweet.

For isn’t that what life is for?  To show and share Your love, and more…

written September 14, after the tragic terrorist attack of September 11, 2001

                                                                                    ©  by Myrna Estey Coleman