Give us strength

to hold our ground

in our hearts.

If ever there was

a need for such strength,

it is surely now.

Help us to remember

what it feels like

to listen

from this place —

to filter out

what is most true —

that we will

always find our way.

Amen

I began to listen

to the silence

and to the music

of life —

of notes and pauses —

finding refuge in

the silent spaces

and comfort in

words that flowed out

if I was patient

to wait my turn —

holding and letting go

ever so lightly —

in-between.

When we have reached

the place

where words can’t go,

when we seem

most separated

by time and distance,

when the way through

all that stands between us

can’t be seen

and all that is known

is the next needed step,

let us remember

the quiet,

often silent prayers,

that led us that far

and continue on.

Amen