The New Normal

Get up, still shower, get to work (at home).
I enjoy not having drive time,
With the exception of two mornings a week,
Because I have to go in and print and put documents together.

This morning I saw my boss, and it is her birthday.
We (each of us in the department - all 12 of us)  texted her
Birthday wishes throughout the day, at specific times.
I really hope she liked what we planned and did.

After work, I log off, and start my evening.
Zoom with my Tuesday night group,
Facebook message calling for friend happy hour,
Virtual dinners while catching up with life.

At least I live with my family,
At least I have my brother,
On top of my mother and father.
I am actually thankful to not live alone.

We have texted, we have called,
But it is still not the same.
I get it, I comply (enough),
Though I wonder when and if it will end.

Several of my friends already have had
And will continue to have birthdays
During this quarantine.
Including me.

Two of my good friends are nurses,
And I pray they stay in good health.
Most of us are primarily working from home.
May God have mercy on us all.

The Last Weekend

The Last Weekend before COVID-19 took over,
Before all the bars and restaurants closed,
I went out with a couple friends,
And my brother, who hardly ever comes out.

We just knew it would be our last time out until who-knows-when,
So we celebrated both Friday and Saturday nights,
And it hasn't even been a full two weeks and I miss them.
I miss all my other friends too.

We have used zoom and facebook message calling,
But it's not the same as an in person hug,
And our many texts are not the same
As even one quality conversation in person.

Except for my health care professional working friends,
Almost everyone is working from home,
And I pray that they all stay safe and well,
Especially my friends out in the field.

I don't know when this will be over,
But I know that for many, cabin fever will get bad,
And even I have wondered what freedoms will continue,
After this is all said and done.

We are all living in history,
And while I was a teenager during 9/11,
I am an adult now.
And I know that there is still only One who can fully be trusted.

This Is My Father's World

1. This is my Father’s world,
   And to my list’ning ears
   All nature sings, and round me rings
   The music of the spheres.
   This is my Father’s world:
   I rest me in the thought
   Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas—
   His hand the wonders wrought.
2. This is my Father’s world:
   The birds their carols raise,
   The morning light, the lily white,
   Declare their Maker’s praise.
   This is my Father’s world:
   He shines in all that’s fair;
   In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
   He speaks to me everywhere.
3. This is my Father’s world:
   Oh, let me ne’er forget
   That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
   God is the ruler yet.
   This is my Father’s world,
   The battle is not done:
   Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
   And earth and Heav’n be one.

by Maltbie D. Babcock

The Pandemic Has Hit

I still grieve my grandmother's death this past fall,
But boy am I glad she is not here for the things of this year -
First, my father's almost heart attack (he's doing fine now),
And now, the Coronavirus COVID-19.

While most people I personally know have not panicked -
Thankfully, because panicking is not the answer -
There are reasons to take precautions.
And today has been a day of headlines.

Each state in this great country seems to be able to do what they want.
The governor of my beloved state has given cautions,
And plans to release more details as early as tomorrow.
The Arnold has been partially canceled - which is unprecedented.

The NBA has suspended the entire season,
And the NCAA is flat out giving up millions of dollars
By not letting any spectators in for their sports games.
The WHO (World Health Organization) has declared it a pandemic.

The country of Italy is on lock down.
In the US College and Universities have gone online,
And just tonight the president announced that
All flights from Europe, starting Friday, are suspended for 30 days.

What an interesting time to live!
And I do hope this country does not have it so bad,
After being given fair warning and trying to stabilize it.
Who knows what will happen? Only God.

Happy March

Happy March!

Sensationalism sells, so I'm not sure what's all true,
But supposedly the coronavirus is coming for us all.

I wish depression didn't exist, that anger was more constructive.
I wish the world was not fallen, that people would know their worth.

At least I might be getting another coworker soon,
And I get to chose my reactions, no matter what happens.