A few WO readers decided to share a creative outlet by creating a renga: a poem written by multiple people—who see only a portion of the poem they’re building. Want to participate? See below for how we can write some rengas together.
This inaugural Renga poem was created by (we’re not sharing their order, so we’re going alphabetical here): Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS; Lori Grover, OD, PhD, FAAO; Whitney Hauser, OD, FAAO; Pamela Lowe, OD, FAAO; and Louise Sclafani, OD, FAAO.
Physical Distancing
Six feet, six inches apart. Emergencies only. Zoom everything.
Gratitude for health, family, sunshine.
Our human world adheres to the virtual, while vivid moments emerge showing us nature’s realness.
Bird song, bee buzz, blossom perfume, blue water, flaming sunset.
A reminder of senses, reinforcing vision’s dominion.
Appreciation for our children and their teachers, our jobs and our futures, our health—
Our collective strength.
Empty arms waiting for hugs that lift us off our feet but full hearts know those days are near.
At home with the people I cherish the most,but the virtual reality keeps me distant from them.
Too much “zoom.” Dreading the next “go to.”
Just want the simplicity and connection they are reaching for.
This is the “time lottery” that we always wanted,
coming at the perfect season as my Senior anticipates his next venture
Yet all I can think of are the moments that have been taken from us:
prom
baccalaureate mass
the white tuxedo ceremony
And then my loved one walks in, smiles, and his embrace takes me to that
higher ground where we are all together
And that’s all I need.
Life has taken an unexpected pause ushering in an isolation we have never known.
Our fear says a prayer for healing, patience and guidance to a path that connects.
Smiles of gratitude appear hidden under masks, yet shine through the twinkle of our eyes.
The human spirit has been wounded but perseveres…
Ever hopeful, ever faithful that its love endures.
Are you feeling creative? Message us on social media or email mbijlefeld@jobson.com, and we will send you the most recent lines ONLY of a building renga. You send back your contribution, and the next person in line gets to build on your work.
