Pangs of Isolation

For months, I've come to sense it well- that loneliness, as none before. In feelings of unrest, I dwell on what is now- and what's in store. At first, confined to home- so sad, deprived of friends and family. For cellphones, live stream, I was glad, to speak to, watch them- happily. For our essentials, I will shop- six feet apart and with a mask. Like other patrons, do not stop- avoid encounters mid the task. Alone together, when about- spaced out wherever I now go; in waiting rooms or eating out- the pangs of isolation grow. Just people walking, eyes ahead- sequestering on streets, in stores. Thoughts deep within and left unsaid- pray that old normal soon restores. We beings are a social kind and keeping us apart is wrong- not meant to isolate- I find within close bonds- we all belong. At times, I feel we're in a test to see how we obey commands; and now, our world in such unrest- what happens next- increased demands? July 27, 2020 ~5th Place~ Premiere Contest: Isolation Philosophy Sponsor: Chantelle Anne Cooke Judged: 07/31/2020