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DKG Practice/Program

Joy Restored: A crowd-sourced poem from Alpha Delta Chapter, NC DKG
Compiled and edited by Teresa Price
Gone is the anxious isolation—the distance.
Fear is brushed away,
And Loss is no longer a keen blade
But has been softened by Time and warming memories.

We are emerging and gathering
With thankful hearts for those we love,
Who love us—who have seen us through,
And for those we do not know, but love just the same,
As all of us mesh as one to return to our living, breathing world.

Healing comes from simple cures:
From quiet renewal through reading, in soothing sleep,
In savoring a sweet treat, in the magic of music,
Or just being strengthened by cherished moments
Before the busyness of the day begins,
From the cleansing quality of a deep breath
To the stillness when night has settled in.
From our beloved loyal ones—
Happiness comes on four warm, little feet.
Walking, holding, and talking to those furry pals—
They bring us serenity and joy.
From reconnecting with our world, one soul at a time—
By sidling up for a warm hug
From an endearing child, a sweet grandchild, a neighbor, an old friend,
Or just by making eye contact
With a fellow someone on life’s journey.
By believing that all others are ‘significant others,’
And that what happens to them really matters.
Sharing a note, a card, encouragement.
Letting down our guard, not in weakness, but to accept invitations—
Invitations to bestow a gift that is given back tenfold,
Like being cared for and caring,
Being thankful and graciously accepting thanks,

Listening, revealing, being vulnerable, being needed.
There is an unexpected truth:
Helping someone who has less of something
Gives us more of everything
And then—We’re back!
With bouncy feet and cheerful hearts,
Laughing often, honed by our experience,
Hosting and toasting life—
Our restored joy is a priceless treasure.

Collegial Exchange · 51