Community by John Alexander

When COVID-19 began spreading throughout the world, I saw acts of love and kindness emerge that touched my heart. I experienced simple acts of kindness in our neighborhood. Remember the toilet paper shortage? I was running a little low and as a senior citizen I was not getting out much. I texted a few neighbors to ask them if they would mind getting me some the next time they went to the store. Two minutes later I received a text telling me to open the garage to collect the large package of TP. Another neighbor went shopping for us and brought a whole box full of groceries. I remember the special event to write messages of love and encouragement on the sidewalks throughout the neighborhood. I didn’t have chalk and was still staying inside as much as possible, but I shared a short poem on the neighborhood social media site. On the day of the event, I found my poem beautifully chalked on my front sidewalk. I’ve been writing and continue to write poems during my quiet time each morning during this pandemic. I’d like to share a few of them that especially pertain to the brave men and women who have responded to the crisis.

The Brave By John Alexander

I pray for those who risk their lives,

And those behind them, husbands, wives.

I pray they know the work they do

Instills new pride, red, white, and blue.

Thank God for those who tend the land.

We give you thanks, for you we stand.

For many jobs, not just a few,

We’ll need the bold with courage, too.

I pray as they go back to work,

The owner, builder, server, clerk,

We let them know they make us proud,

Express our thanks, say it out loud.

The virus tried to make us sink.

Instead, it gave us pause to think,

Appreciate the ones we’re near,

Restore the values we hold dear.

We’ll always mourn the ones we’ve lost,

Can’t be replaced at any cost.

I have no doubt that we’ll restore

The loss we suffered, rise once more.

Not Alone By John Alexander

Lord, walk with me as days grow dark;

An empty street, a childless park.

Keep doctors, nurses brave and strong.

They fight the virus all day long.

Lord, help me share your words of old

That give them comfort, soothe their soul.

Lord, you’re my strength, in You I trust,

I know someday I’ll turn to dust.

Then take me to a place on high

Beyond the hills, beyond the sky.

Until that day help me to know

The words to write, Your love to show.

I pray for mercy, heal our land,

As we Your people take Your hand.

We humbly bow before your throne.

We know in You we’re not alone.

Pandemic By John Alexander

Disease can spread through vast terrains

Like storms at night, torrential rains.

Pandemic congers fear and dread.

Will I survive? Will I be dead?

“Corona” whispered late at night,

Lest children hear and cry in fright.

Uncertain times cause some to fight;

The brave reach out, say “Let’s unite.”

If each one lends a helping hand,

We’ll spread new hope throughout the land.

We’ll pull together as a team.

It’s not as hard as it may seem.

Don’t let the fear or dread take hold,

Protect the sick, the frail, the old.

Let kindness and goodwill increase.

The clouds will part, the rain will cease.