A few miles away from here
On the eastern shores of the harbor
Stands a monument towering
Over the quiet sound
At night, moonbeams unfold,
Painting waves with flecks of silver -
A compass for those navigating
Shadows of uncertainty
The fog yet to lift
Hovering over dark ripples
We search for lighthouses
In each other’s eyes
Guiding hands
To help us decide
How to steer the boat
Carry our patients
Back to shore
Each day we return to to the hospital
Ready, willing,
Eager to cultivate places of refuge
Even now, especially here
We search for anchors
In each other’s hands
Traveling together
If only for a moment in time
Then sending them off
Walking with them
On the journey home
Author’s Note:
I love the name of our city. Each day, it encourages me to find and cultivate new havens, not only
for myself but also for the people around me in my life - places of refuge, whether it’s for patients
or co-residents, family or friends. Even and especially in the hospital, a place that is often
intimidating and scary for patients, we are called to create spaces of sanctuary for families as
they wade through storms of illness and trials. Here, in New Haven, I am finding my own; I hope that you, too, may find your own havens.