A New Perspective on Powerful Human Resiliency | COVID-19

Remembering the days when we were able to explore.  Excited for the day when we all get to safely adventure again.  I've shared photos, videos, and blog posts before - but I have yet to share any of my poetry publicly.  Given the recent weeks, I mustered up the courage to share where my heart has been these days.

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Elbow taps, greetings at a distance,
Smiles hidden behind masks and hollow hearts,
Rippling concern, dominos of worry,
And love forced to stretch miles apart.

Delayed homecomings, lonely puzzles,
Empty churches and ever-expanding oceans,
Uncertain lay offs, derailed purpose,
And time falling behind in slow motion.

Quiet cities, cancelled flights,
Empty shelves and winding drive thru lines,
Boarded up restaurants, remote schooling,
And sanitized cleaning redefined.

Isolated mothers, scrambling child-care,
Pointing wrongful fingers and racism,
Late bills, postponed weddings,
And an exhausted healthcare system.

Lack of routine, unsettling politics,
Pouring from cups that have run dry,
Anxiety, fear, and quarantined death,
Yet a world of people persistent to try.

Singing balconies, teddy bear windows,
Healthcare staff and educators volunteer,
Video conferencing, scientific advances,
And neighborhood runs witnessed by the Space Needle and Mount Rainier.

Familial proximity, furry companionship,
Friendship-infused dances and Dalgona Coffee,
Tie dye kits, fresh baked banana bread,
And families cooking at home with newly found recipes.

At-home workouts, internet gaming,
TV streaming and community donations,
Online shopping, grocery delivery,
And productive off-season optimizations.

Lessons learned within the walls of homes,
Opportunities for hope, rest, and recovery,
A refreshed appreciation for what we once took for granted,
And a new perspective on powerful human resiliency.
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For all the sorrow and pain that COVID-19 has brought upon this world,
I am NOT nor ever will be thankful for Coronavirus.
But with a heavy heart yet hopeful optimism,
There is gratitude for the lessons of love, strength, and kindness.

Separation. Anxiety. Fear. Death.
Community. Patience. Hope. Resilience.

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Take care everyone,
Gen