News & Views
Poems for These Times: 1
(29 March 2020)
Pandemic
by Lynn Ungar
This new poem by San Francisco poet Lynn Ungar [/] has been written precisely for these times and is fast travelling round the networks.
Pandemic
What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath—
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.
And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives
are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.
Promise this world your love–
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.
Lynn Ungar, March 11 2020
Poems for These Times
‘Poems for These Times’ is a special collection of poetry offered in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is intended as a way of sustaining us, and to give us something on which to meditate together during these difficult and challenging times.
There will be just one poem each week, so that we can really stay with what is offered. We can read it – perhaps aloud – to ourselves or to any companions in our isolation, and sense the vibrations through our whole being. For poetry has the power to affect us on every level – body, mind, heart and soul. It has a magic, which, in the words of poet Adrienne Rich:
“… goes back very far: the rune; the chant; the incantation; the spell; the kenning; sacred words; the naming of the child; the plant, the insect, the ocean, the configuration of stars, the snow, the sensation in the body… The physical reality of the human voice.”
Of course, not every poem will appeal to everyone – that is inevitable. But there is also the possibility that staying with something that does not immediately appeal can be stimulating and helpful. Experience suggests that sustained attention and contemplation of a poem’s music, words and thoughts can be deeply rewarding.
It would be lovely to share any responses and thoughts you may have through our comments section below.
Barbara Vellacott
Sources (click to close)
Poem: This is one of several poems that Lynn has written in response the crisis. For more, click here [/]
Banner image: Danny Wertheimer plays guitar and sings to his neighbours from his balcony two days after California’s Governor Gavin Newsom implemented a state wide ‘stay at home order’ to the state’s 40 million residents. Photograph: REUTERS/Kate Munsch TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY, March 21 2020
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Introducing… Bernardo Kastrup and Swami Sarvapriyananda
Charlotte Maberly appreciates a wide-ranging video conversation about Eastern and Western concepts of the self and mind
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Charlotte Maberly investigates an innovative project which explores cultural engagement as the driver of ecological change
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READERS’ COMMENTS
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Excellent initiative and so quick off the mark. Well done Beshara. Am looking forward very much to this series for some consistent spiritual nourishment during these shocking times.
This poem speaks reams to the climate/ecological breakdown humans have created on Gaia our mother E-air-th. Those catastrophes, albeit occupying the back seat in this runaway bus sans driver, remain ongoing, with the melting ice not giving a sweet care about the microscopic molecule, that is wiping out an entire elderly generation in some lands.
Poetry, art, craft, sprinkled liberally’ with tons of humour will win the day; not to mention new ideas gleaned from discussions about private property, ownership, the commons, entitlement and animal food ingestion.
“Prayer is not enough, you must do something”, sayeth another favoured Sufi saint.
I edit the monthly newsletter of Central Edinburgh Quaker meetíng. Up to 300 readers. Would like to include in the next edition Liz Ungar’s touching poem. Would that be OK? l
Dear Rosemary,
I’m glad to know that you appreciate the poem. But I’m afraid we don’t hold the copyright on it; perhaps you could write to Lynn Ungar herself on the address given on her website lynn@lynnungar.com?
Best wishes
Jane Clark (editor)
A wonderful poem that beautifully articulates a different truth about this situation. One to treasure, and looking forward to the next! Great idea Jane and Barbara, thank you.
I loved the poem. It speaks perfectly to the moment.
Hello
I am so grateful to have received this link from a friend this morning. Reading while eating dark chocolate dropped on my front step by my kind neighbour. Reading and nibbling a real solace for today!
I am blown away by Lynn Unger’s poems-quite wonderful and my thoughts entirely.
All the best in this worrying time to everyone aaccessing this website.
Thanks
Deborah Riley
Edinburgh