Hoping for the light, Preparing for the Dark

​Today I woke up with hope, thinking about the future.
Today I opened my eyes, and the sun was shining bright.
Today I walked outside, listening, smelling, and hearing.
Today I hope for the light; I pray for a better tomorrow.

When I opened my front door,
I was greeted by 2 robin’s nests.
Tiny little heads peeking up above the twigs and brush.
Momma bird is out getting food
while Daddy bird watches closely.
These birds go on, day by day,
as if nothing outside is different.

I prepare my notes for services and study.
I look to my children –
are they even aware of what is going on?
I turn back to my computer to focus on my community.
Have I even taken the time to focus on myself?

Every Day brings about a new tomorrow,
with so much more unfamiliar.
Every day brings about more “news,”
strange, mysterious and foreign.
Every day we learn of more deaths,
more devastation, more fear.
Every day I want to hope for the light,
but I must prepare for the dark.

Where is God?
Where is Shechinah?
Where is El Shaddai?
Where is Adonai Tz’vaot?

Covid19; disease; sickness; death.
Fear; Anxiety; Apathy; Anger.
The children; the birds; the sun; the wind.
Smiles; chirps of joy; warmth; cool.

I do not hope for the light; I dare not prepare for the dark.
I do pray for the light; I do prepare for the unknown.