<\/p>\n
Extreme weather is one of those few events that gets our attention. The devastation caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines reminded me of a poem I recently encountered (see below). As I write this, dozens of tornadoes are ravaging the Midwest.<\/p>\n
May we be moved to be in solidarity with those suffering from these natural disasters and do what we can to offer assistance.<\/p>\n
\u00a0* * * * * *<\/p>\n
Breathing Under Water<\/strong><\/p>\n I built my house by the sea. A strong house And then one day, Without welcome, even – Sr. Carol Bieleck, RSCJ<\/p>\n
\nNot on the sands, mind you;
\nnot on the shifting sand.
\nAnd I built it of rock.<\/p>\n
\nby a strong sea.
\nAnd we got well acquainted, the sea and I.
\nGood neighbors.
\nNot that we spoke much.
\nWe met in silences.
\nRespectful, keeping our distance,
\nbut looking our thoughts across the fence of sand.
\nAlways, the fence of sand our barrier,
\nalways, the sand between.<\/p>\n
\n-and I still don\u2019t know how it happened –
\nthe sea came.
\nWithout warning.<\/p>\n
\nNot sudden and swift, but a shifting across the sand like wine,
\nless like the flow of water than the flow of blood.
\nSlow, but coming.
\nSlow, but flowing like an open wound.
\nAnd I thought of flight and I thought of drowning and I thought of death.
\nAnd while I thought the sea crept higher, till it reached my door.
\nAnd I knew, then, there was neither flight, nor death, nor drowning.
\nThat when the sea comes calling, you stop being neighbors,
\nWell acquainted, friendly-at-a-distance neighbors,
\nAnd you give your house for a coral castle,
\nAnd you learn to breathe underwater.<\/p>\n