Day 32 Why Cant I

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:

  1. Stay Connected [email, text, video chat]
  2. Find Ways to Be Calm [music, exercise, meditation]
  3. Improve Your Sense of Control [acknowledge what you can change; problem-solves; set goals]
  4.  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 Monthtry 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.orgNational Poetry Month and here: Virtual Programs.

National Council of Teachers of English also offers suggestions here.