Sorrow – Close and Afar

So on a summer's day waves collect, overbalance, and fall; collect and fall; and the whole world seems to be saying 'that is all' more and more ponderously, until even the heart in the body which lies in the sun on the beach says too 'that is all'. Fear no more, says the heart. Fear no more, says the heart, committing its burden to some sea, which sighs collectively for all sorrows, and renews, begins, collects, lets fall.― Virginia Woolf, Mrs. Dalloway

In the Times of the Corona Pandemic, life is chaotic with things out of hands and out of scale. And add losses and shocking losses of people, famous or otherwise, to other reasons during these times. All may not be living with those losses but we do live with the empathy for those who are going through it. Is it that being always occupied in the usual race with time, people and tasks leaves some people weak in dealing with life without the race? What can one do when not to think or do something is more useful too? It is a tide of human trials and triumphs and being an observer too is not easy. 


But then what in life is easy or simple? The obvious good impacts, especially those in nature, show the uses of humanity slowing down. And this slowness also helps to learn and build mental strength and search for answers and questions and simple pleasures and most importantly peace. We have to learn to live with the virus and we have to learn to live with sorrows and hopes while living with it. One cannot use false optimism nor despairing pessimism but rather common sense to find a balance. And change from trying to stay ahead to being able to stay well. And yes... help and support others to do so as well. 

Poem 4: You deserve a lover by Frida Kahlo

You deserve a lover…

You deserve a lover who wants you disheveled, with everything and all the reasons that wake you up in a haste and the demons that won’t let you sleep.

You deserve a lover who makes you feel safe, who can consume this world whole if he walks hand in hand with you; someone who believes that his embraces are a perfect match with your skin.

You deserve a lover who wants to dance with you, who goes to paradise every time he looks into your eyes and never gets tired of studying your expressions.

You deserve a lover who listens when you sing, who supports you when you feel shame and respects your freedom; who flies with you and isn’t afraid to fall.

You deserve a lover who takes away the lies and brings you hope, coffee, and poetry.

— Frida Kahlo

I thought I will stick to my own words when maintaining this blog but then there are some words and thoughts, especially poetry, which personally affect you – so sharing them here too.

I liked these simple yet profound words coming from a lady who contributed to arts and society in many ways but was not duly appreciated in her own time. And yet her spirit longs for both doing those things and being with someone who appreciates that. I truly resonate with the thought of choosing optimism as key to a good life.

I believe the phrase  'You deserve' is the most important part here and the lover (though preferably an actual one) could be anyone who understands what one is going through. And hope, coffee and poetry are the best things to get and cherish after all!