Covid-19

First it was only a joke. Something to poke fun at. After all it wasn’t in our habitat. Then it crept into our country like smoke. Not a bother we thought quietly, And vowed to pray and act piously. But it started to intrude into the Midwest. Still a joke, still something to roll our eyes about Until the schools took it seriously and decided to take a time out. So we never got to say goodbye to the best. Because as we left for break we were told We would be back and to go enjoy our household. Break started, concern and slight worry of what was to come. And then the axe fell We would not get to say our farewell. A feeling of going numb. No more nights staying up late just to chat? No more complaining about food over the placemat? Classes, dances, final days all gone. How to say that it feels as if time has been taken. And all of a sudden I realize that each day is a gift and I must not be mistaken. For although I want to grab and hold on, What cannot be must be realized And what is must be held dearly and prized. 19 March 2020 Written for Coronavirus COVID-19 Cash Prize Poetry Contest Sponsored by Team PoetrySoup