Covid Poem 1 - Blight / Light

by Judith Felsen, Ph.D.

Curious how pestilence

evokes both light and dark of our survival

Enemy becomes a catalyst

challenging our character

critically insisting, calling

raising higher nature

Scourge becomes our solvent

washing sins and strengths together

dispelling gaps with conscience  

transgressions lost in search for mercy

praying for acquittal 

Compassion is the birthchild 

of this plague

Forgiveness is its midwife

We are birthed within our illness

which inspires  mingling 

of our sins and merits

merging criminals and prophets

reduced in bliss of oneness

We are solo and connected

Pandemic brings us truth

The world is changed

We start anew

Judith Felsen, Ph.D. is a poetess, Clinical Psychologist, coach, 2nd generation holocaust survivor, hiker, dancer, walker, volunteer, lover of nature, gardens, wilderness, beach, ocean and mountains. Her work addresses issues of recovery, 2nd generation survivors, the natural world, gardens and harvests, life cycle issues, spiritual questing, social issues, community issues and personal requests. Her poems have been published and widely distributed in national and specific publications. She is a New York native and resident of new Hampshire. She frequents Long Beach and lives with her husband and two large rescue dogs at their camp in the White Mountains of N.H. and house near the ocean in Long Beach. She actively studies the mystical and esoteric aspects of Judaism and is a member of the board of the Bethlehem Hebrew Congregation and the Chavurah of Mount Washington Valley. She writes often and offers consultation upon request.