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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
In June 2020 we masked up and went to friends to celebrate the life of a tree that was burned in the fires in 2017. She seemed to be fine, but she couldn’t recover. Two traumas: Fire and Pandemic. I’m a poet and a photographer. I took this picture from the road as we drove to their home. My poem: Black Walnut In the distance a tall black walnut tree, an eclipse of her former self. Her branches, darkened by fire, reach toward Venus and the moon glowing luminescent. We approach with trepidation and the burden of farewell. Tomorrow brings sunrise, chainsaws, and men who may or may not appreciate she is Malka,* supreme in her realm. Sitting on the ground beneath her once verdant beauty, our mouths hold words, splendid jewels of love rendered into poems to surround her, a blanket shimmering with silver and gold threads. In the moonlight we reach arms around her trunk, hold strong to who she was as Malka: A haven for birds nesting, boys climbing, small rabbits shading. Nothing left to say but farewell and thank you for the hundred years of your presence. ©J.V. *Hebrew Origin: Queen Great news: Several months later a new young shoot grew from the stump of her life. I try to be optimistic. Though 2021 with no end in sight for the Pandemic is a challenge. I have started taking distant walks with very close friends, masked and grateful. I do walk every day with our dog. He doesn't wear a mask.
February 18, 2021
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Has the pandemic affected your religious or spiritual observance in any way? If so, talk about it.
In some ways yes--I have always trusted that God has a bigger purpose for this pandemic. At the end of the day, I know there is something good coming out of it and that God is in control. As much as people might deny God's sovereignty, we ARE leading up to the end times--whether its this year, or in a thousand years. Knowing that, and that God is in full control of what will happen in the end times, has been incredibly humbling and hope giving during the pandemic. I have had such moments of reverence and have learned to appreciate God and His glory in all circumstances. In the Bible, Paul writes that we should consider all suffering joy--and I do (or at least am working towards it, with the Holy Spirit). Jesus is good-He has saved me from an eating disorder, depression, and self-loathing. Despite the bleak circumstances and my own emotional and physical pain, and doubt, and failure to have faith, GOD is GOOD.
October 8, 2020