When this is over
We won’t be afraid to hug and kiss the ones we love
Instead we will cherish the simple act of a touch
We will mourn with our grieving friends
For those we lost and could not defend
Neighbors will finally know the ones next door
Will know that having less is sometimes more
We will nod our heads on the street
A silent understanding that we are still free
When this is over
Churches will fill with desperately seeking souls
Just looking for a place their hearts can call home
The days won’t run together so endlessly
Each hour will hold it’s own reckless beauty
Restaurants and bars and shops will overflow
Friends will gather en mass for their favorite show
The buzz and hum of sweet life will fill the air
We will laugh and cry, hearts open, laid bare
When this is over
The old will become important again
Our wounds will finally be able to mend
We will think of ourselves far less
Because anything is better than senseless death
We will all know the sad fear of isolation
But still choose the grace of God’s Kingdom Come
Relationships won’t be lost over opinions and votes
Things that matter and things that don’t
When this is over
Our children will ride their bikes again
We will be more aware of the place we stand
Teachers and nurses and essential workers
These heroes will finally have the respect they deserve
Hopefully we will love harder and forgive quicker
Because life is too short to choose to be bitter
The sun falling down across our faces
Will spark new life in the hearts of this nation
When this is over
There will be funerals and weddings and graduations
Because after all this loss, life will still move on
We will know which day it is today
Even adults will venture outside to play
Our differences won’t feel so divisive
We’ll meet each other at the middle of the bridge
We will wait for each other on the busiest day
Even stop to appreciate the fall of a gentle rain
When this is over
We will forgive even when sorry is not enough
Because peace is a choice and so is love
We will dance and sing
Open our eyes to see
Maybe it’s time we slow and stop
In a world that’s smaller than we thought
Everything else aside
We will be better, we will be kind