In a writing group in May 2020, I was encouraged to create a poem using the letters of the alphabet, each line another letter. Here it is. Another day in quarantine paradise Bundled up for snow in May. Covid changed everything. Didn’t even ask if we wanted to stay in. Eventually we had no choice. First, we went gently into our isolation Grabbing dusty puzzle boxes off of basement shelves, Hanging inspirational quotes on the mantel, Insisting we take walks everyday Just to get

NOT NOW: A LETTER TO MY GRANDCHILDREN March 28, 2020 Dear Isaac, Rex, Orion and Denali, I am writing this from the office inside my house. I would rather take you to gymnastics and sing lullabies to put you to sleep. I would rather eat Cheesy Fries with you at Classic Burger. I would much rather watch you race your bicycles or play catch with you. I can’t. Not now. For you and for the planet, I’m staying home during this coronavirus pandemic. There have been pandemics before