Here and now, all of our lives are caught in the current global issues of disease, financial instability, and systemic racial inequity. Within the sequestering of COVID-19, we have asked our sangha of artists to contribute their voices and visions coming now from seperate and sheltered spaces, believing that our communal support can transcend isolation with fresh insight and newfound solidarity.

LONGER

Let this moment last a little longer.


I can’t just slip away before we’re through,

nor satisfy my promises to you,


yesterday and yesterday.


Be stronger.

There’s still time for time, before the birdcalls.

The full moon’s shining brighter than the dawn,

waves retreating,


beating like your footfalls.

Eternity’s enraptured by my lawn.

Everything has chosen now to pause.

Better not to whisper or it’s broken.

We’re listening to everything unspoken.

We’re basking in the dark as it withdraws.

My walls are falling, undividing tears,

stringing laughter to the times I cried.


I can hear your heart beat through my years.

cherishing our pilgrims side by side.

Everything is respite and believing.

Transient poise. The moment, moments,

leaving.

So melancholy blessed this newest day.

The dew, the dimming stars,

the empty bay.


—Bob Fletcher