Why can’t I…
Why can’t I
hug my grandkids
hold my great-grandchild
hang out with my kids
a virus hides
it takes no sides
our defense it defies
we breathe its lies
as it lurks inside—
to protect our kin
we stay apart to begin
a defeat of this virus grim
Why can’t I
meet with friends
mingle in stores
meander in the museum
a virus hides
it takes no sides
our defense it defies
we breathe its lies
as it lurks inside—
to protect our kin
we stay apart to begin
a defeat of this virus grim
Why can’t I
swim at the lake
shop at the mall
sip coffee with friends
Let me repeat
we must defeat
a virus that hides
it takes no sides
our defense it defies
we breathe its lies
as it lurks inside—
we stay apart and begin
to protect our kin
We solve and adapt
we video chat
a hug from afar
sing along with guitars
share pictures galore
laugh and chat more
we shop online
wear masks in line
six feet apart
wipe the grocery cart
our neighbors we call
check that safe are we all
A silent storm slips among us
stealing our confidence from us
slicing our community
yet we hold our humanity
hewing our heuristic vim
unravelling the storm’s every whim
to change the song
dragging us along
from why can’t I
to “How can I”…
We will defeat
a virus replete
with difficulties many
yet we learn plenty
our voices are ready
our defense is steady
we breath in and cry
a resolute: “How can I…
And, if we’re unsure,
together we’ll endure
in a renewed community
a spirit proclaiming “How can we…”
How can we…
Prompt:
What hashtags do you follow? What are the conversations inspiring you to consider? Write down your ideas as phrases or questions– organize them into snippets of meaning.
This poem is an example of following a group of people / friends [see first links below] and finding inspiration in the conversations. We wonder and know “Why can’t I” — whether its related to family, work, play– things have changed, and we find ways to deal with that. So that’s my poem — a wondering of things I can’t, an acknowledgement of the slippery slime of a virus, and a freedom and renewed spirit of defiance through “how can I” and “how can we…” We can do this, together.
One of the ways to deal with catastrophic events is to acknowledge the reality AND what we can do. Always remain hopeful. That’s what my poem is about, and writing it give me more hope by sharing it.
Here is a great tweet and video by the Department of Veteran Affairs of four tips for dealing with this, a world pandemic:
The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to increase stress and anxiety. Fortunately, there are tools and resources to help manage your mental health and well-being. pic.twitter.com/P72EXkzqcO
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) April 12, 2020
- Stay Connected [email, text, video chat]
- Find Ways to Be Calm [music, exercise, meditation]
- Improve Your Sense of Control [acknowledge what you can change; problem-solves; set goals]
- Remain Hopeful [celebrate successes; connect with those who inspire you; take small breaks; do something you enjoy]
In that video are many ways to stay hopeful — and to write your first poem about your success and hope in our difficult times.
About this post…
A #shelterinpoems to join the Academy of Poets…
A #ds106radio Glokel Yokel poem with CLmooc…lead and inspired by Greg McVerry…
Be safe out there. Find ways to help yourself, your family, and others keep going! We can do this together!
April is time for NaPoWriMo — National Poetry Writing Month, try a bit of poetry and art to encourage others to be safe with each other. Something short. Something inclusive. Something of spring and hope. #NaPoWriMo/#GloPoWriMo
The Academy of Poets encourages us to write #shelterinpoems. Get some ideas there and share your own.
Tons of information can be found at Poets.org: National Poetry Month and here: Virtual Programs.
National Council of Teachers of English also offers suggestions here.