Come, Spirit, come near

Lament in a pandemic 

How long, Holy One? How long
till we find a cure
till we can stop its spread
till we can be protected
till it causes no more death –
how long, Holy One? How long?

How long, Holy One? How long
will we remain bound
will life be unwound
is work to be suspended,
learning upended –
how long, Holy One? How long?

Come, Holy Spirit, meet us here,
in turmoil, in fear,
come Spirit, come near.

How long, Holy One?
How long will we hold
to the wisdom we have gained
the presence, the simplicity,
the compassion and kindness –
Holy One, help us to hold on.

How long, Holy One?
How long will we remember
the stories and songs?
Help us not to forget
the poems and pictures
that held us in our need,
but to carry them and remember
the better story we sought to live.

Come, Holy Spirit, meet us here,
in hope, in yearning,
come Spirit, come near.
Amen.