Turn Around
This is sweeter than
I’d thought
(what I’m eating)
The day is still and white
But, look, the branches move
The movie is better
Than remembered
When leaning back,
The pillow touches the right place
From where
It had fallen
A surprise
Many small surprises
In this day
The day itself
A gift
From no one in particular
That is the disguise
Faith in costume
Grace behind a mask
It seems
We can’t have it any other way
C L Couch
United Nations COVID-19 Response
(Unsplash)
Physical distancing. Image created by Samuel Rodriguez. Submitted for United Nations Global Call Out to Creatives – help stop the spread of COVID-19.
clcouch123 
May 9, 2020 at 7:08 pm
How are you? This makes me think you’re not too good at the moment.
May 9, 2020 at 9:36 pm
Thank you for asking. I think you sussed more than I have. I’ve been struggling physically with an infection, though medication’s helping. I’ve been struggling emotionally as we all are, I guess, but also because there is an angry person (neighbor) near me who must express anger all the time, when in. It’s hard to live with, given the stress I already have to deal with due to (ongoing) heart disease. Remedies I’ve tried have gotten nowhere. I’ll have to move, which isn’t going all that well, given the current clime. I’m trying to live being thankful for small favors. But the current situation’s been going on for weeks now (months, I guess), and it’s hard.
May 10, 2020 at 1:34 pm
I’m sorry to hear this. I suspected it was something like that. The last thing you need is an unpleasant neighbour. When you can’t be easy inside your own four walls the stress is unbearable. We were driven wild when we lived in Paris by the Corsican mafia who ran a bar just next door, and in Bordeaux we had four (illegal) African ‘restaurants’ within spitting distance of us and a lunatic Turk at the other side of the garden wall. You won’t be able to think straight if there’s that kind of thing going on, though moving will be a big strain too. Have you found another place? Is there someone who can help with the move? It isn’t the best of times to be planning a removal, and here it isn’t even allowed at present, but it will give you something to focus on. Try not to let the Covid get to you. It’s a virus, and it will end. Just be careful about who you come in contact with. I can’t imagine you’re the kind of person who just goes cruising around town because you can’t find anything to occupy your brain with at home. There isn’t anything I can do. I wish there was. I hate moving and detest the sight of removal boxes, but if I was anywhere close, I’d lend a hand. Think of it as a metaphorical presence 🙂 (I’d like to punch your neighbour in the face too, but that’s another story).
May 10, 2020 at 11:35 pm
Thank you. Everything you say means a great deal to me (right up to the punch). i appreciate the affirmation. Your own experience sounds harrowing. I’m so glad you’re in a better place, literally and otherwise, now. Actually, I do have help with moving, once I find a place. It’s finding a place that’s hard just now, I guess for anyone. And on a good day places tend to be overpriced here. When I do move, I’ll accept your metaphorical help. And I’m trying to be good about the virus. I’m not wandering into crowds or anything or joining the protest of crazies who say the masks impede democracy. The occasional trip to the grocery store (with a mask), which I tend to make at odd hours so there are few people there. Thank you, again. I’ll let you know as things are turning.
May 9, 2020 at 7:51 pm
Each day unto its own. Snow last night and we woke up to a blanket of white.
May 9, 2020 at 9:26 pm
My! I heard snow was falling here and there. Not here, though we’ve had frost.
May 10, 2020 at 5:36 am
The snow has missed us, this time, but I got out into the cold wind for photos of tulip flowers decked in raindrops. Often what gets me through a day is finding the small and quiet delights, giving thanks as you appear to do, also. Moving is such a bearcat to struggle with. Twenty-eight years, and I haven’t gotten through all the moving boxes from after the wedding. Oy! Will be holding you in the Light.
May 10, 2020 at 5:24 pm
Thank you so much!
May 13, 2020 at 8:01 am
Oh, brother. Are you okay? I love the faith but I sensed the struggle as well. Whispering a prayer for you.
May 14, 2020 at 10:28 pm
I’m okay, sister, thank you. I’d been dealing with an infection (less of it, now) and a living situation with bad neighbors, which has been exhausting me. Fortunately, my heart seems to be all right. I had that checked–well, the heart device I have–and everything seems well. I’m trying to look for a new place; but as I’m sure you know this is a strange time to be doing most things, among them looking for an apartment (and then moving).
Thank you for your prayer, for I know your prayers have power!
May 26, 2020 at 5:40 am
oh i pray the neighbors will behave and give you peace. i understand the challenge presented to all of us. sigh. keep the prayers, brother.