Tag Archives: fear

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Help Others To Tell A Different Story

(internet photo)

A doctor after a 12 hour shift in a New York hospital with only Covid-19 patients stated, “I’m going to change my clothing and get back into my street clothes, after taking a shower and scrubbing any part of the virus from my body, if not my soul.”

None of us believed we would be faced with a situation like this but here we are. Here are our front-line workers, fighting on our behalf. Here we are with more “free time” than we know what to do with.

Maybe we can use some of that spare time to find ways to express our gratitude, although it may never be enough, to those working tirelessly on our behalf to care for our sick, loved ones; for those who are working to keep us safe; for those who are behind the scenes coordinating our front-line workers; for those who are scrambling to find a vaccination or a cure.

Maybe we can use some of our free time to find ways that will lead to the telling of a different story than before. A story where we do not sleep walk through life. A story where we really see and acknowledge each other. A story where we know beyond any doubt, and embody, the essence of the African term, Ubuntu, “I am because we all are.” We don’t have to live in fear. Together we will pass through an exit even if we have to hobble.

Be patient. Be kind, to each other and ourselves. We will persevere.

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Coping 

Blizzard white streets
line our city
sifted with fear.
Blue skies above
hiding enemy breath
ready to attack 
unsuspecting hosts.
Our homes
once lively and vibrant
withdraw to silent
lemon scent lysol 
war zones.
Ninty per cent alcohol
for our hands
hands that touch and hold
caress and scratch
tap and text.
Our worst foe
bringing havoc 
to the center of our lives.
But people are people.
Evening dusts
computer screens with song.
People reach people
across balconies
across seas
half a world apart
isolated but not alone
people connect.
Puccini's "Nessun Dorma"
soars
"we will be victorious."
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Frayed Edges

strop

Glossy waxed floors
smooth as clean shaved skin
reflect everyday busyness.
A white stove and fridge stand stark
like your absence during the week.
The wooden table pushed in a corner
harbours nicks and scrapes
where noisy kids scramble in and out
with mouths still chewing as they leave.

Slippery floors mimic
sticky fingerprints on walls.
A shaving strop hangs by the phone
frayed from angry outbursts
that hone in on pink butts
sharpening fear and resentment
instead of blades.

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Thunderstorm

thunderstorm

flash, crash, wake-up Now!
huddle under covers with each strobe of room
power, anger, fear, Boom!
exalted energy bursts of awe
percussion clangs off skyscraper walls
and gives wings to emotions with each sound
overhead whomp, whomp, whomp steps heavy
metal chimes jangle
fast notes tinkle
pica-pica-patta-pica
wind and rain strike a rhythm
tap-tap-rat-a-tat-tat
rumbles echo, bang, rattle, roll,
they swell, ebb, drift away

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Arachnid

Spiders
fat full bodies
centered and still

Large weaver climbs rapidly
on single strand

Webs
vertical diagonal horizontal
alive with silent movement
eyes dimly aware
spider sense tingling
heightened threat
vibration of pedestrian beneath

Joint legged invertebrate
moving fast
moving slow

Creatures hidden in daylight
come to life at night

Covered walkway
full
a horrifyingly beautiful sight
protecting eggs
hunting

Walk beneath
these nocturnal arthropods
racing heart demanding
no lingering
trust they will not descend

Follow the path
walk beneath fear
let go of fear
accept fear

Or deviate
walk without protection!

No matter the choice
can no longer pass unaware