A Prayer in the Time of the Pandemic
By Kasey Kaufman | January 28, 2021
During Covid, it’s been challenging, at times, for me to make art, to quiet my thoughts and stop doom-scrolling on Twitter. The practice of daily painting has helped. But what has brought me the most peace and inspiration are the long walks I take with my dog in the woods and hiking trails around New England. As an artist and writer, it allows me to see the world with more clarity, appreciation and delight. This poem, “A Prayer in the Time of the Pandemic,” as well as the painting Socially Distanced Birch Trees were inspired by the beautiful wildness of Houghton Garden, which happens to be around the corner from my home in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Underneath a lacy canopy
of dappled shade,
native ferns worship
next to dwarf conifers.
Devotion is easy here
among the azaleas and the evergreens.
This is a quiet place,
but for the birds
chattering in their pews.
branches to you, maybe
but for the herons and the hawks,
this is a cathedral
At an altar
carved from ancient alpine rock,
I recite my rosary.
The Latin names of plants;
Bentula Lenta
Ilex Dicidua.
Through my mask
I inhale the mossy incense.
The taste of huckleberry wine
on my tongue;
A prayer, in the time of the pandemic.
Kasey Kaufman, Socially Distanced Birch Trees, acrylic on canvas, 2019
Copyright © 2020 Kasey Kaufman
Kasey Kaufman is a mostly self-taught artist who works in oil and acrylics. The former television journalist likes to think that each of her paintings tells a unique story. Capturing the beauty of nature in our fragile environment is a common theme in her artwork. So is the use of the color pink. Kaufman is inspired by the community of artists on Instagram where she posts her work @365pears. Kaufman’s paintings can also be seen at the Art in the Village Gallery in Warren, Vermont, and at the Newton Art Association.
Kasey, thank you for the artful pause in a challenging time.
So very kind of you to say, Paul. Thank you!
Lovely painting and poem, thanks for sharing ❤️
Thanks so much!
This IS a prayer! It’s absolutely lovely, Kasey.
Thank you, Kate!
So lovely, gentle, simple. Thank you for sharing your walk.
Thank you so much, Ellen.