Social distance, day 26

Twenty-five days now since I hugged a child, or shook a hand, or patted a back, or experienced the same. For this 26th day of physical distance, and this surreal Good Friday, I offer a poem for today by the 19th-century cleric (and one of the leaders of the Oxford Movement) The Rev. John Keble.

Good Friday

I am home today. The home altar is quiet, but adorned with the site and scent of lilac, the freshest flower in the garden at this moment. I have watched and wept with the streamed Good Friday service from Washington National Cathedral. And I’m mindful today, for some reason, of the Good Friday 20 years

Flowers

Lilacs blooming already in the garden: Flowers on the dining room table: Tulips in the kitchen: Spring is here, thanks be to God.

Nephew Luke

Nephew Luke is 19 years old today. This photo is from his birthday trip with me 18 months ago, at Niagara Falls.