"Everyday in every way I’m getting better and better" - Emile Coue
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
language of pandemics
i paint
our words to be a virus
our words to be a vaccine
our words to be host cell
our words to be N95 mask
whether you are asymptomatic
or symptomatic, our doorways are alike
from graffitied city streets
to funeral parlors with 10 chairs
let's socially distance
via zoom meeting with sun-
flowers stuck in our hair-
sending crownlit poems from our windpipes-
Posted for dVerse Poets Pub -About Portals, hosted by Anmol (HA).
Thanks for the visits and comments.
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I have been in such distancing for more than 10 weeks now... had to get myself a better webcam simply to show myself to friends and colleagues. Zoom is not allowed for us though.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the upbeat end to the reality painted here -
ReplyDelete"sun-
flowers stuck in our hair-
sending crownlit poems from our windpipes"
something so poignant about
"funeral parlors with 10 chairs"
That is such an intelligent use of this language that has become commonplace today. I love that chant of "our words" to denote the many things they mean, as well as the ending with "crownlit" poems sent from the windpipes. A lot of this experience is encompassed in your words.
ReplyDeleteI like the thought that we have similar doorways during this pandemic.
ReplyDeleteI read an article in a newspaper today about the language of pandemics, how the situation is changing the English language, specifically here in the UK. I wonder if it’s the same in other countries.
ReplyDeleteLike Björn, I am in my tenth week and look forward to video chats with my daughter and grandson – I feel bereft when we miss each other because of Internet failure or some other reason. I agree with Laura about the upbeat end. The lines that struck me are:
‘whether you are asymptomatic
or symptomatic, our doorways are alike
from graffitied city streets
to funeral parlors with 10 chairs’.
When social distancing has ended (if it ever does!) we will have a few memorial services to attend for those who've passed and whose family could not have a funeral. So sad.
ReplyDeleteI love the ending here Grace- may we all rise above this mess with smiles and sunflowers in our hair.
ReplyDeleteI love the sunflowers in one's hair.......a defiant hopefulness in the face of so much uncertainty.
ReplyDeleteYes, poetry really is the best medicine! Love your poem!
ReplyDeleteWish I had sunflowers for next Zoom meeting...maybe dandelions will work?!
ReplyDeleteflowers stuck in our hair-
ReplyDeletesending crownlit poems from our windpipes-
Given whatever parameters to confine its progress it is there only to be reminded it is there with our writings. Yes Grace,it has screwed up our life all through! But at least we can do it in style!
Hank
Spreading good things to dissipate the bad. I like that.
ReplyDeleteThe 10 chairs got me - that sudden detail, absolutely real. I like the idea of our words spreading like viruses, and your ending, a challenge of joy.
ReplyDeleteThe poem for our times, so well crafted and complete, and those beckoning doors! Love this Grace, may it all become a disturbed and also strangley lovely memory.
ReplyDeleteThe social distance continues as zoom helps on out.
ReplyDeleteOnce that door is opened, we do adapt, don't we?
ReplyDelete