The day we were asked to stay home
A Pandemic Poem by Kirsten Telan
Home sweet home
We have been thrust into your space
Even though we feel safe amongst your steadfast walls
We weren’t ready to be told we can’t leave this place.
Social distancing and quarantine
Two terms that were quickly added to our everyday vocab
This is a whole new Covid territory we are exploring
And finding out it began in a Chinese city called Wuhan in a biolab.
Taking our freedoms for granted
Living in the most amazing country on earth
Having to change our habits wearing masks and gloves daily
And realizing Lysol wipes, handsoaps, and toilet paper’s worth.
The days for us all look so different now
With children homeschooled and parents on Zoom
No more morning commutes or dreaded rush hours to deal with
And nobody having meetings in any offices or boardrooms.
Restaurants, malls, and hair salons are all shut down
Because the goal is to keep all people safe
The only way we can accomplish this
Is to add more distance and space.
Ithink we have learned to appreciate the beauty of nature and the outdoors
Spending a lot of time on our porches listening to the songbirds sing
Waving to neighbors and children on their bikes
Not ever thinking this forced slow down is the way we would be spending our spring.
Our pets are so happy that we are at home
They look forward to all our love, attention, and their six walks a day
As parents have turned their kitchen tables into desks
I’m not sure they are feeling the same exact way.
Helping others, spreading kindness, having gratitude, and taking time for self care
These are the silver linings and the blessings in each day
It’s the small things in life we tend to forsake
But this global health crisis is teaching us how to live this way.
Let’s continue to clean and disinfect to get ready for our new normal
For only time will allow us to get back to our pre-pandemic routines and roam
All the while reminding ourselves the most vital thing we can do right now
Is to just sit back, relax, and continue to stay home.
