C19 Villanelle
Each day I draw the curtains back to see
An empty street so early in the day
I’m here, behind the glass, can you see me?
So much goes on in our community
It’s quiet now— we’re cautioned not to stray
Each day I draw the curtains back to see.
Our neighbors’ girls are seven and aged three
They walk and wear their little masks to play
I’m here behind the glass, can you see me?
We feed the tiny birds up in the tree
A show of song and flutter as they may
Each day I draw the curtains back to see.
The news becomes a monotone I flee
Into the yard to cut a fresh bouquet
I’m here, behind the glass, can you see me?
Be wise and take precaution is the plea
A virus on the loose, I’m locked away
Each day I draw the curtains back to see
I’m here, behind the glass, can you see me?
— Carol Davis, May 2020
Blocks of color marking time—marking history.
Feelings and observations of life behind locked doors.
Notes, news, bittersweet cartoons, photos and sketches become a release
of the angst felt throughout the days.
May 1, 2020
Untitled
Hiding behind this mask
Makes walking an exhaustive task
My glasses are steaming
I’m certainly dreaming
Of the day this is all in the past.
May 3, 2020
C19 Haiku
Poetry through Zoom
Socializing in a box
I will wait it out.
Hail to those who can—
Needing to communicate
Sharing artful words.
Living by the path
Sequestered yet observing
Life seems to go on.
May 6, 2020
End words – A Sestina
Weren’t we oblivious early March?
Off to see Angela Davis at the Green Center.
Two nights in a hotel: unafraid, touching.
By March fourth, we were understanding more.
Information blasts and precaution news.
Reality began to change.
Shop and stock up, things are about to change
How can this be over by the end of March?
The president makes predictions on the news
What about the disease control center?
We need to learn more
But for now, careful, no touching.
So much talk about touching
We will be needing to change
Our habits will require more
It’s time— get a grip, together we march
watch, listen, be informed—front and center
Pay attention, mask up, follow the factual news
Every day such diverse news
Social distancing works, no touching
So much community support at our local center
We are strong, our habits change
Now in April, much hindsight in March
Out of work, out of food, and so much more
Any eggs, tp, garlic and more?
Listen up, pay attention to the news
Friends sick from January ‘til March
No warnings about touching
Til it was too late, C19, a life of change
Our communities must unite, be alert, the core, the center
Who is our leader, our center?
We need more
We need change
We need truth in news
When it’s over, who will be touching?
Who will be leading the march?
We have learned to unite, to center. We will rise
up and march for change in our country. The news
is divided, we need truth so much more. We’ll
celebrate by touching.
