When We Gather... Again

This weekend a high school friend reached out via messenger, and it was so lovely to connect. Our reunion was canceled (understandably), and we both lamented the fact that we wouldn't get to hug and see each other. She then said, "It will be even better now when it happens!!"

She is so right. In these extraordinary times, we are being reminded of how very lucky we are. Lucky to have each other and to love people enough that you miss simply hugging them, being in their presence, and/or planning to see each other.

When our conversation ended, I wrote. My hope is this poem is a balm for all the aching hearts... to know that when we see each other again–when we gather–it will be so much the sweeter for having navigated these times.

When we gather

We will hug longer

More often
 

We will smile more

At the little things

That give us pause
 

We will hold on tighter

Not for fear of losing

But for the love of having

Each other
 

When we gather

We will remember

That it’s not in what we want

That we are made whole

But in caring for what we need
 

Connection

Community

Hope

Laughter

Touch

Breath

And Presence
 

Presence with each other

And the Joy that comes in

Gathering.