Ilene Bauer Poet Rhyme

Quarantine Routine

My husband and I have a perfect routine
In the stay-at-home days caused by Covid-19.
Our apartment’s not big – bedroom, kitchen and bath
And a living room – 3 and ½. (Do the math.)

We alternate times in the bathroom, of course.
(To do otherwise might just result in divorce.)
The kitchen’s the same – we just smoothly take turns
At the fridge, sink and stove to ensure nothing burns.

For the bulk of the day, we’re in separate rooms
(It’s not true that we talk to each other with Zooms)
But we join to watch Cuomo* and FaceTime the grands
And have dinner – I hope no one misunderstands…

We are happy together to shelter-in-place
But it’s vital to each have some just-for-me space
So we divvy the day to connect and to part – 
Like the governor says, we’re tough, loving and smart.

*the governor of New York

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Robert Johnson May 12, 2020 at 1:33 PM It sounds like you and your husband do a good job of being your own marriage counselors. :)

Maurice Rigoler May 6, 2020 at 3:26 PM The word that describes your poem, Ilene, is "propinquity." It refers to the physical or psychological proximity between people, especially in small or cramped spaces. According to your apartment's description mine is twice as large as yours, and I'll wager your rent is ten times higher than mine! The only other occupant is my dog. / M

Rico Leffanta May 6, 2020 at 1:54 PM Honolulu reached its peak 04.IV.20, and Governor Ige announced last night that he will ease lockdown restrictions on 07.V.20, but most of us feel that is too soon as tourists continue bringing the virus with them. So keep your perfect routine going until the danger has passed as it gives you more time to write perfect poems! Aloha! Rico

Jan Allison May 6, 2020 at 9:28 AM brilliantly rhymed and such wise advice, we have family time with our son but also keep to our own routines we do try and go on walks together but having our own 'space' is so important :-) hugs jan xx

Pat Adams May 6, 2020 at 9:14 AM Yes, we can relate. I have my man cave to retire to. Judy calls it my man hole, (She's kind of a wise guy) Anyway, as always well written!!!.....pat

John Watt May 6, 2020 at 1:14 AM Your poems always just roll off the tongue and land in the heart. This resonates so much with me as we divvy our day up around bathroom and kitchen rotations, with some nice shared meals and TV time.

Tom Cunningham May 5, 2020 at 10:24 PM Perfect for the times Ilene, who'd have thought it would come to this, I'm hopeful theyll ease restrictions soon in the UK dispite having the highest death rate in Europe. Tom

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart May 5, 2020 at 7:55 PM I do so enjoy your poetry Ilene. "Real" is the word that comes to mind, your sense of humour and your poetic eye. Hugs!

Line Gauthier May 5, 2020 at 6:57 PM Sounds like you have the recipe for success, Ilene. Well penned poem.