alone on Saturday night behind locked doors
I drink too much wine & pace the floors
“How long?” I wonder, “Can this nightmare last?”
I’m sure it’s a question that many have asked
laptop, mobile & tablet aligned on the table
I seek companionship as best I’m able

Chelle’s driving, on her way to the liquor store
all buckled up & laughing that she needs “wine ‘n more!”
I tilt my wine glass in a toast to the face on the screen
while we discuss the merits of what goes best with which cuisine
she pulls her shiny car into the parking bay
“Stay safe” we tell each other before our images melt away

my sister Kim is lying down, sleeping so peacefully
I feel bad that I’ve awakened her just to talk to me
now labelled as “essential”, each day my sister goes to work
while I putter in my garden feeling like a useless jerk
Kim is my heart, mother to my nephew & beautiful nieces
her beloved face, her voice, keep me from falling to pieces

finding Tora free at home is a wonderful surprise
love dwells in her face – hope shines in her eyes
my friend ‘n colleague from those memorable Ursuline years
sunny days spent in the quad sharing laughter, dreams & tears
seeing her, talking to her is always so much fun
“You were right, Kath,” she jokes, “We shoulda run.”

Sharon’s video call is welcome though unexpected
her face ‘n Jourdy’s smile keep me from feeling dejected
besties for 58 years, longer than some folks’ve been married
understanding each other, anchored by love that’s unvaried
always calm, she reassures me this state of affairs will end
I blow kisses, to my surrogate child & my oldest friend

the second bottle is almost empty – the last few sips I drain
tidying up I dream of the future, when I can get on a plane
over an ocean and through the heavens I will happily soar
to the land of my youth to hug my family & friends once more
the hour is late now, so I climb into my bed
with many faces of love dancing through my head

copyright © 2020 KPM