It’s becoming more real
As it comes closer and closer
The virus,
Both physically
and from the personal stories
Of those we love
And their loved ones
The blue waters,
The green valleys
How peaceful,
How paradoxical
They whisper, “keep calm”
And they remind us, “this is the way of nature.”
But the nerves are edgy
The weight shedding.
Sleep is more haphazard
How absurd
How paradoxical
Given we are mostly in our homes
Out of our daily busy-ness.
We tremble and stutter
From the visceral connection
Of our families’ and friends’ uncertainties
Their difficulties, illnesses, separation, and
pains
They could be ours.
They will be ours.
How empathic,
yet
How paradoxical
Quite uncanny,
The calm in the streets the world over
Some households have finally become homes.
We go back and forth
Even multiple times in a day.
From moments of release
Of beautiful movements and togetherness
To a possibly horrific situation
If we allow our fears to take over
To hold the reigns.
So,
Into the unknown we travel,
Together.
Into the darkness.
Scared yes,
But we will be slaying dragons and monsters.
No longer fully in control, yes.
At least not the way we thought it was meant to be
But remember
The blue waters
And the green valleys,
Listen to their advice:
Breathe deeply,
And trust.
Feel the ground beneath
And the love within.
We will hold hands,
And hug and kiss again.
Natasha Devalia 