I came across this poem the other day and was struck by it. It is a Christian-rooted poem and writer, but regardless of religious/faith identity, I think we can all relate to this work in one way or another in this season of Coronavirus. This has been a trying time for us all and can leave us with 'exposed' wounds that come in the form of thoughts, actions, and emotions. I hope this poem can make you feel something, and most importantly feel that other people are feeling pains like you! I have attached it below (along with the link to the original article the poem was in). Enjoy and please feel free to leave any comments and reactions you have :)
"Exposed" by Sarah Bourns
We’ve all been exposed. Not necessarily to the virus (maybe…who even knows ). We’ve all been exposed BY the virus.
Corona is exposing us. Exposing our weak sides. Exposing our dark sides. Exposing what normally lays far beneath the surface of our souls, hidden by the invisible masks we wear. Now exposed by the paper masks we can’t hide far enough behind.
Corona is exposing our addiction to comfort. Our obsession with control. Our compulsion to hoard. Our protection of self.
Corona is peeling back our layers. Tearing down our walls. Revealing our illusions. Leveling our best-laid plans.
Corona is exposing the gods we worship: Our health Our hurry Our sense of security. Our favorite lies Our secret lusts Our misplaced trust.
Corona is calling everything into question: What is the church without a building? What is my worth without an income? How do we plan without certainty? How do we love despite risk?
Corona is exposing me. My mindless numbing My endless scrolling My careless words My fragile nerves.
We’ve all been exposed. Our junk laid bare. Our fears made known. The band-aid torn. The masquerade done.
So what now? What’s left? Clean hands Clear eyes Tender hearts.
What Corona reveals, God can heal.