How is COVID-19 impacting the environment?
I am intrigued by articles I have seen this week about how the pandemic is slowing down pollution and restoring a measure of peace to the environment. This poem emerged as I began to think about the resilience of creation to “come back” when spaces open up for her.
Perhaps a kind of generative wildness within our own spirits can come out of extinction during these days. Given all of the horrors of this crisis, I hope for this resurrection possibility.
“Come out, come out, wherever you are!”
I call to her–
Wildness.
She is a shy child, eager but afraid
to meet a new friend.
No, that’s not quite right–
She’s been leaning on the door all along?
Waiting–then stumbling into my space
when the portal suddenly swings open?
“Come in, come in. I think we met
once upon a time ago”–
Wildness.
She is in me–sparrow and mockingbird,
wildflower and wilderness wanderer
Yes, that is it–maybe—
“Come on,” she says and reaches out.
“Let’s dance, just for a little while.”
I say “yes”–
unclenching my hands to take hers
while creation sings
Hope.
Salt 