Quietude

Almost in a whisper the new year makes its entry
And we follow taking one step at a time

The anticlimactic disappearance of the former year
Leaves echoes in Quadrantid meteor showers and cold winds

Traditionally the newness inspires hope and wonder regarding the future
This year a heavy sigh replaces the possibilities of the midnight kiss

Fear swirls with news of COVID rampantly multiplying and kids getting sick
Devasting fires, horrific standstill of cars on a freezing freeway for twenty-four hours

The face of a confused former president who fills America’s courtrooms with endless misdeeds
Newscasters filling airways with endless cycles of current events shifting in winter blizzards

Fear reigning in place of hope that normally quivers in the January journey to real life
Concern taking up space in our thoughts instead of curiosity in the new year’s renewed focus

The word “Quietude” caught my attention in something I read last week
What a powerful idea… an attitude of quiet in the middle of the stormy unknown…

The idea of an unassuming, gentle quiet to surround us as we step up to numerous challenges
And conquer them for ourselves and those we so dearly love

Letting the gentle quiet like falling snow fortify us as we devote time to find intelligent ways
To keep-on-keeping-on and determine the best path to navigate the contemporary

Letting a softness surround us like floating in clear water as we put away decorations
Restore routines, reflect on holiday moments, and schedule details we must accomplish

Letting a wonder rise within us like a child in a candy store as we anchor our families
And secure the windows and our hearts for the storms that may arise

Letting the truth of “It’s a Wonderful Life” infiltrate our thoughts and remind every one of us
There are real ways we individually touch others and make a difference in this world

Letting our hearts and minds reach for new ways to make the world a kinder place even
in the horrific consequences of this pandemic, the inflated cost of living, and the challenges of work

Letting ourselves believe in a common good where every individual can shine like the stars
And letting hope create a foundation stronger than the fear that seeks to overwhelm us all

I wish the best for you and yours and I am determined to keep-on-keeping-on even though
“letting” is one of the most difficult things to do…
it requires my courage to allow myself possibilities instead of limitations…
hope instead of despair or fear… empowerment…