Arriving via planes and passengers, on ships and surfaces,

it came in unseen—invisible to the naked eye.

 

A scourge, a pestilence, a pandemic,

it laid claim to lives and livelihoods, freedoms and joys.

 

Shedding suffering, fear, xenophobia, isolation,

it also scattered gifts of great value in its deadly wake.

 

Robbing us of breath,

it gave our Great Mother a moment to breathe. 

 

Stealing our businesses and busyness, 

it presented a pause to reflect and reprioritize what matters most.

 

Seemingly stopping time and diurnal rhythms,

it created the possibility of a different, more meaningful life.