Facebook Post by Rabbi Perlin in the Time of Coronavirus (3/30/2020)
Monday Post 3/30/20: In This Together
In This Together, a poem by Rabbi Amy R. Perlin
I feel closer to you now than I have in a while.
Closer when we write, or talk, or email, or Zoom.
Closer, when socially distanced, we care and share,
And dare to give voice to the stresses and strains, fears and anxiety.
I feel closer when you post something funny, or even not so funny.
I feel closer when I know that you read between my lines, and hear what is left unsaid.
I feel closer …
when I remember that we are all looking at toilet paper and Clorox Wipes in a same way.
I feel closer when I know that you are washing your hands a million times a day, just like me.
I feel closer when I know that I am not the only one watching the news and then watching something else to avoid the news.
I feel closer being in Brooklyn yesterday and Haifa today.
I feel so far away from the little ones who are the heart and soul of my life.
I feel so far away from the plans that were on my calendar and have ceased to be a part of my today and tomorrows.
I feel far away from the people and places and things that are normally part of my every day.
I feel far away from the end to all of this, yet inspired to look at each day as a beginning.
I feel closer to you, because my isolation is for you, and me, and everyone.
I feel closer, because we are all in this together.