One Year Mark of the Pandemic

Oh so weary of planning for eventualities,

Still shaking the burden of worry, that

Incessant presence of mortality which

Hovered closer than a breath of air.

So far has been traveled this year, so 

Deep the imprint of memories on the psyche:

Hidden faces behind tight masks,

The look of fear, like a frightened animal in the wild, the

Witness of lonely deaths, grief tunneling its way into the heart.

How to open the door slowly.

How to gather what remains to be 

Salvaged, to be treasured, to be found.

And pausing to acknowledge 

How the world goes round in its orbit,

Even this year staying on course, the humbling

Reminder of both limits, and expansiveness.