In ache of body and clouding of mind, with Moderna doing her work in me, I form an offering to self and community, abating the pain of future loss. Lake Superior, the mother of Lake waters, rests in my heart as I breathe in the sound of waves Soothing my spirit, Massaging the ache in bones Like rocks skipping on water. This Siren beckons us to her, Flaunting her frilly foam skirts. With one toe touching her frigid being, We run back in laughter. We are drawn to her shore but today we dare go no further. It is enough to hear her, to see her from Solid footing, to allow her to caress and soothe tired spirits too long hidden in square boxes, Behind the ubiquitous mask. She bestows pain and death when We fail to be aware. When we are swept away by waters of the mind that stay turbulent, unable to rest on calm safe shores, Fear and hate rise. We seek to lay blame on other Rather than be aware of our complicities. As we witness the beauty and danger Of these sacred waters, We are reminded, This magnificent world also holds unseen Assault whether virus or human and we Dare not ignore that ability to also take life. Just as we say no to a virus and do what we Are able to diminish its grasp on our people, We must say no to hate For all our people on this land. Our mother earth, our mother waters, She holds us in her wisdom. May she guide us on our way.