Gone are the Old Ways

have you seen my comfort zone
it was wrenched away when I stared into the barrel
of a video camera
spoke my piece
and released it into the wild
with hopes of nurturing the Body of Christ

it retreated further in my failed attempt
at conversation with colleagues
a tablet masqueraded as me
and an invisible button denied me
the ability to speak when spoken to
an overtaxed system impatient with my fumbling
bumped me out and locked the door

it shudders at thoughts of being shifted into virtual singing
rehearsing and recording in solitary isolation
to then launch my offering into the great unknown
where it will meet up with others
and mysteriously be woven into one
how can I sing the ensemble’s song
without leaning into the voice next door

whine and whimper though I may
these are not days for curling up
with the cozy comfort of well worn ways
or leisurely soaks in hand holding, drink sipping
togetherness around the table
for now, we exchange them for
incomprehensible technological wizardry
and walk the road of awkward learning
giving thanks for connection in a time of separation
grateful for ways to keep the song alive