When this is over

When this is over,
may we never again
take for granted
A handshake with a stranger
Full shelves at the store
Conversation with neighbors
A crowded theatre
Friday night out
A taste of communion
A routine checkup
The school rush each morning
Coffee with a friend
The stadium roaring
Each deep breath
A boring Tuesday
Life itself

When this ends,
may we find
that we have become
more like the people
we wanted to be
we were called to be
we hoped to be
and  may we stay
that way - better
for each other
because of the worst.

Laura Kelly Fanucci