Dear Friends ~

I hope this finds you well.

Last night I had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Paul Zeitz on his Facebook Live Chat, Waging Optimism. For those who missed it, here is a link to the hour long conversation. We explore topics of despair and grief, hope and optimism, justice and joy in the context of the public health crisis in which we are now living as we respond to questions and comments from the live audience. In the course of the conversation I offered my newest poem, “A Matter of Public Health,” as well as “The News,” written in 2005, during the build up to the Iraq War.

A Matter of Public Health

And so
in our distance
it is revealed
we are not, after all,
separate.

It has been said before
but this day we know it
in a new way.
Even sitting alone in our houses
we are woven together
in a single cloth, and all
we want to do
is be
one thread waving
through all
creation.

Let us get about it then—
the up, the down, the
through and through,
the joy of being
forever related.

The News

When you live
inside of lies
let yourself burn.
Your flame
is a strong cord
deep within,
you are lit
by a fire
not entirely
your own.

You’re the glow
in the clouded glass.
Soft and sure
and steady
you must stay
in the one place knowing
you will be seen
by those who seek
light
in this obfuscated land.

March 20, 2005

For the full conversation, follow this link.

May these offerings bring you comfort and courage.

Blessings,

Susan