It’s time.

Time to pause.
To stop.
To breathe.

Time to look inside,
wide-eyed, listen to
where the soul abides.

Yes! It’s time.

We are in this together.
No one spared.
Not the gray haired,
the visually impaired,
the ones who care,
nor the well-prepared.

No border recognized
despite those who agonize
criticize, demonize,
or over-analyze.

We are all at risk,
players in the same game
trying to reframe,
let’s stop placing blame
or trying to induce shame.

Yes, it’s time.

To pause.
To be.
Do less.
Breathe more.
Soak in the sweet silence of snow,
help someone on skid row,
work on a new tableau.

It’s time!

To offer what you can.
Lend a helping hand.
Nothing grand.
A kind word, a note in the mail,
kiss your dog, watch him wag his tail.
Dance with your friends,
make soup, say grace,
thank God for this amazing place.

It’s time.

Take stock.
Consider who you came to be
and set your spirit free.

By Diane Sherman, 2021