This Time

We fell into a rhythm of holidays

and seasonal change, cool to cold

days, gray skies and pearl moon

evenings with games, bonfires,

and homecoming parades.  

We gathered and shared

food, stories, gifts, fellowship.

We reached across the table, 

held hands when we prayed, 

pressed in together, cheek 

to cheek when we arrived 

and as we left. We laughed 

and cried right next to each 

other, shoulder to shoulder, 

huddled, hugging, holding, 

without even one degree 

of separation — much less six 

and through masks and shields 

and closed windows — 

Do you remember that pleasant time 

before this time just one year ago?

—C.L. Fisher, December 2020