For a brief moment today—
We were united, not segregated
We were excited, not self-conscious
We were looking up toward the sky in anticipation
Or looking at live feeds in wonder.
A total solar eclipse.

A rare eclipse experienced from shore to shore,
From West to East,
From the rocky, sweeping Oregon Coast,
To sunny, sweltering South Carolina.

For a brief moment today—
awe and wonder won out.
Ashes to ashes.
Stardust to stardust.
We knew that we were one small part of a vast universe.
For right before our eyes was undeniable proof of our humble place.
And our nation seemed together, as one, in these swirling chaotic times.
May this feeling not be eclipsed so quickly.

–Rev. Lauren Lorincz, Total Solar Eclipse: August 21, 2017–