Making Sense of Pandemic through Poetry

Making Sense of Pandemic through Poetry

Nearly a full year has gone by since my last blog post (on another site), with last month alone feeling like the passage of five years over the span of four short weeks. It's hard to wrap my head around all the confusion and uncertainty, moreover the fear that accompanies the unknown. I'm sure I am not alone in my feelings of apprehension.

Still, the silver maple tree in my backyard has provided its yearly gift of sap which I boiled down into a litre of liquid-amber deliciousness, and flocks of Canada geese honking overhead remind me that spring is arriving on schedule. Yes. Despite a heavy snowfall warning issued for the next 48 hours, and directives to stay indoors and practice social distancing, Mother Nature is slowly making her benevolence known to us here in Winnipeg, Manitoba with daytime temperatures now reaching into the high single digits. (That's above freezing for those unfamiliar with the Metric system.) Is it any wonder why we Manitobans pride ourselves on being the heartiest of Canada's prairie folk?

And, while April showers are still likely to arrive in the form of snow, the arrival of Robert Lee Brewer's, Poem a Day Challenge on his Writer's Digest blog, Poetic Asides, most definitely warms my heart. I am especially grateful this year for the daily prompts and hope to use this exercise in writing to help me process all that is going on in the world around me, as I safely watch from a distance of at least six feet.

In preparation of day one of the challenge, I composed this poem last night:

Prelude to a Poem

Perhaps, this time tomorrow brighter skies

will lift this dull and aching mood I feel. A dread,

uncertain in its form,

has stalked me for days to quarantine all

sense of my creativity.

Housebound. I sit with thoughts and fears

shed long ago like skin.

Outside, the wind blows fresh and strong

against my cheekbones.

Looking up, the swollen maple buds

shimmer in bold promise to burst wide,

crack open a whole new reality.

The geese in harmonious V’s sail by in

spring formation.

Perhaps, this time tomorrow inspiration will return.

Clearly, this is a time unlike other times in recent memory. We are being challenged as individuals living in society; indeed, as a human species, to come together to support and uphold one another in ways that are unique to this time and place. We are practicing social distancing, staying at home as best we can, and avoiding physical contact with people in order to keep ourselves, and those we love and care about, safe from Covid-19. It is within this framework that I am embarking upon my yearly celebration of April—National Poetry Month—with deep awareness and concern for all those around me. Social distancing does not need to become social isolation.

I am inspired. We are connected through technology and, although I may not see your face or touch your hand, I make this pledge to you, Dear Reader. I will present only my most dedicated and thoughtful words to you here, on this platform. I will strive to be uplifting and hopeful. I will be consistent in following the Poem a Day Challenge and will share the fruits of my pen each day throughout the month of April. This will be a small act I can offer as a means of staying connected with old friends, and building new relationships.

Will you support me in my endeavour? Will you visit my posts, read them and comment if you feel moved to do so? I know that we will create a stronger community by supporting one another, and I look forward to the challenging days ahead, knowing that you and I are walking forward. Together.