When the storm has passed…and the crowds are tamed.
And we are survivors…of a collective shipwreck.  With tearful heart…our destiny blessed.

We will feel joy…simply for being alive. And we’ll give a hug…to the first stranger.
And praise our good luck…that we kept a friend.

And then we’ll remember all that we lost.  And finally, learn…everything we never learned. And we’ll envy no one…for all of us have suffered. And we’ll not be idle…but more compassionate.

We’ll value more what belongs to all…than what was earned. We’ll be more generous…and much more committed. We’ll understand how fragile …it is to be alive. We’ll sweat with empathy…for those still with us and those who are gone.

We’ll miss the old man…who asked for a buck in the market. Whose name we never knew…who was always at your side. And maybe the poor old man…was your God in disguise. But you never asked his name…because you never had the time.

And we’ll all become a miracle…and all will become a legacy. And we’ll respect the life…the life we have gained. When the storm passes…I ask the Lord, in shame. That you return us better…as you once dreamed us.

I hope you reread this poem…and dream that you and I can be better as we embrace each other in fraternity and social friendship with arms that reach out with food for the poor, care for the earth, and reverence for all of life. Amen.

Alexis Valdes