Al Mills, an Iraq veteran and IVW member, the captain of IVW’s writers’ group, and a candidate in Wilmington’s upcoming City Council election, just published this encouraging poem.  He gave me permission to share it. — Tom

The Beauty Is In Us
We the Beautiful

Wilmington, it’s been a few strange and stressful weeks- with more to come.
In the middle of it all let’s not forget how beautiful strong and resilient we are. My Wilmington, my city,

True human interaction we are missing -because of social distance.
Let’s Distance ourselves from the daily blues of dreadful news, while being more social with our hearts.
I’m not able to hug your neck, but allow these words to hug your soul,
And remind you of our good rather than just another day of death tolls.
Remember that love and life haven’t stopped.
See some good in the world like how much the pollution rate has dropped,
with hundreds of thousands fewer cars trucks trains and planes releasing emissions.
So even as we practice social distance – take a moment to notice and witness.
Make some tea and sit on your steps.
Inhale / exhale release some stress – take a deep breath –never ever air this fresh!
The Beauty is in us – We the Beautiful
We are Wilmington- We are one
prepared for all things to come.
So even when the commander-in-chief takes the warning as a joke, tells the nation it’s a hoax, we are Wilmington – doing our part,
With our mask & gloves on, standing 6 feet apart, but can still feel the closeness of our hearts.

Try and limit all the noise from the pandemic:
Go for a walk , a bike ride, work out to relieve some stress.
Read a book , paint a picture , learn to play chess,
Call your mother / sister or brother,
FaceTime with the grandkids, laugh at life, remember the happiness, the way we live.
Laugh at elementary school pictures,
Play a game – write a poem – read a scripture,Dance / laugh have a video chat with the whole family joined in,
Then watch the smiles begin,
Play board games, bond, connect, use this time together to come together.
Remember kindness must always live in our hearts.
Make sure all the children have what they need for their online learning to start.
Husbands talk to, listen and respect your wives. Parents try not to be overwhelmed with this uncertainty and your kids, because they are just being kids.  So encourage them, give them words of hope and praise,
Help them make sense of these difficult days.
Let’s  keep a cool head and stay positive.
Remember to lean into your faith and trust your prayers,
Because the Beauty is in Us
Wilmington the Beautiful

Be Safe – Be Strong – Be one
Be Beautiful Wilmington!