If I could, I would wash away the sadness.
I would wrap you in my arms and hold you against me, pressed against my chest. It would protect you from everything that makes you unhappy and lowers your spirit. Gently, I would dry the tears and gently hold your head in my hands, looking deeply into your eyes, reminding you without words that I am with you no matter what comes. We would hug again, too long; however, as we parted ways, we smiled delicate smiles as we went our separate ways during the day, confident in the awareness that we would be safe together again in the evening.
If it were up to me, I would banish fear.
Standing bullish, steel tower upright and strong; arms crossed over my chest, facing desolation; I would defend you while you were behind me. Nothing would happen to bring you agony. No damage could penetrate. An invisible shield that lovingly protects you from anything that might harm you or cause you to cower fearfully in dark places. The soft, bright, warm glow of inner strength would wash over you until you could again stand upright next to me. At that moment, arm in arm, we would both face the day, leaning on each other, looking to the future once more.
If it were in my power, I would eliminate the worries.
It would keep us in the present, realizing that everything that happened is gone and what is to come is powerless until it appears. We would rejoice in the Now, infused with the awareness that, in this moment, in this moment, despite the maelstrom that surrounds us near and far, we are safe and secure and together. Remembering that this moment is all we have; because the past cannot be changed and the future remains a shapeless shadow. The anxiety would subsidize. We would breathe deeply again, fill our lungs with peaceful calm, and savor the perfect moment of the here and now.
If there was a way to do it, it would cure the disease.
If it was something he was capable of, he would wave a wand, or pray to God, or meditate silently on top of a hill; expelling the disease that has enveloped us. There would be no virus; no deaths are reported on television or health alerts published in the news. Social distancing would become an oxymoron as we huddle together in too tight spaces, delighted to be around friends and even strangers. We would embrace each other with joy and abandon ourselves. The masks would be reserved for costume balls and Halloween parties. All together we raised our glasses and sang songs to the beams of happiness and health.
If I had my druthers, things would be different.
We host small events and praise educated people and healthcare providers for keeping us in great wellness. Our classrooms and playgrounds would once again be filled with the boundless enthusiasm of children, eager to learn and play. Customers were leaving movie theaters at the end of a summer blockbuster, their excited chatter filling the parking lot, as they drove down many roads, drove to bustling restaurants and bars, and stood in lines waiting fearlessly for tables at crowded establishments. There would be no reminders on the floor to “stand here” and hand sanitizer would never again be a precondition for entering a building.
If it was my decision, things would be so different than they seem today.
There would be more joy and fewer tears. Politics would be a healing force, not one used to create more “us” and “them.” There would be no videos of department store customers throwing merchandise on the floor, acting like ghouls screaming because they were asked to protect public health. Group homes would not instill fear, but rather represent protection and support; like they’re supposed to. We would no longer cross the street to avoid passersby, but would continue, even waving and possibly shaking hands.
Unfortunately, these powers are not mine to have or to give.
So, as we go through these difficult times together, I wish each of us to stay healthy, stay strong, hug each other with love and light, and know that there is a bright, sunny new day waiting for us as we rise from new; what we will surely do.