Notes About The Poem

Yesterday, we used the zoom app to video conference call family. A bunch of chatter. 

Round Faces Pegged In Squares

Hollywood squares, we would stare
at the set, as we do now in varying
shapes and sizes. 
                              Now family appears
in quaint little tablet squares -  some
sheltered-quiet,  or
                 eccentric with Eiffel
Tower backdrop,
           some ogling the others,

one with a gas mask face finding appall
and humor
                during this fathomless race,

slow like a tortoise who can’t mete a hare —
time recklessly drawn out,
                   the finish line

far out there. What will we find when
civilization restarts?

                             Will we be wearing rags,
our riches bagged up and sent to thrift?

I stare and inquire of the squares —
will we find our round
faces headed

      into outer space
   or going nowhere
at a fast pace?

Are we raptured? Are we done?
                      NO!

the session ended, no goodbyes

too - sudden as a hawk
we will find our hands
back in the land of the living
robotic pace of happenstance 

have we lost
a career,
gained weight,
kept up the humor
of the Hollywood Squares?

3/30/2020
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Cheney Avatar
March 31, 2020 at 9:42 AM
The title of this captures the essence of the matter so very well. Interestingly constructed. Enjoyed the thoughtful write.
Rodrigues Avatar
March 31, 2020 at 10:50 AM
Thank you, my friend!
Krutsinger Avatar
March 30, 2020 at 10:31 PM
Hollywood Squares is a perfect description! This is exactly what Zoom is like. Beautiful, Beautiful!
Rodrigues Avatar
March 30, 2020 at 10:42 PM
Thanks, Caren! I’m looking in on the Tonight Show. Too crazy with everyone at their separate homes!
Ball Avatar
March 30, 2020 at 10:11 PM
That's the way we have of keeping in touch now. Phone and computer. It's a blessing we have that. Good job here. God Bless, JB
Rodrigues Avatar
March 30, 2020 at 10:43 PM
Who would have thought that 2020 would turn such a corner as this!
Faulkner Avatar
March 30, 2020 at 4:27 PM
I guess we are lucky to have that technology now - but it does feel like Hollywood Squares! Great line 'robotic pace of happenstance'!
Rodrigues Avatar
March 30, 2020 at 5:04 PM
Thanks, Michelle! :)
Wolf Avatar
March 30, 2020 at 12:42 PM
Love these musings... I myself may look a bit shaggy. NO haircut for me. Now if I could only pull off a hunger strike (fat chance!), and let my clothes hang on me. Great poem -- really ignited my thoughts today! Thanks, Kim! :) gw
Rodrigues Avatar
March 30, 2020 at 12:46 PM
Thanks so much! :)
Ashford Avatar
March 30, 2020 at 11:18 AM
This poem about sums up the pandemic now, but the poem also brings hope and I do believe we will prevail as a people and be even stronger in will and purpose. Good work Kim!
Rodrigues Avatar
March 30, 2020 at 12:47 PM
We will! Meanwhile we wait... Thanks!
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace