I sent my son out in the rain to play
So he couldn’t hear my sobs today.
Soul-shaking, heart-breaking,
Gasping-for-breath sobs
Echoed in the empty house.
Sobs for the hurting humans
Sobs for the exhausted healers
Sobs for the lonely partners
Crying for loved ones dying alone.
I sent my son out in the snow to play
So he couldn’t see my tears today.
Streak-making, mascara-melting,
Flash-flooding tears
Puddled on the hardwood floor.
Tears for the people getting sicker
Tears for the people losing jobs
Tears for the people afraid of
Taking the virus to those at home.
I sent my son into the cold Spring to play
So he couldn’t feel my worry today.
Stomach-churning, chest-gripping
Fear-laced worry
Filled the air around me.
Worry for my clients
Worry for my friends
Worry for my family
And how distancing takes a toll.
I went with my son into the fresh air to play
So he could feel my love and gratitude today.
Soul-soothing, life-giving,
Joy-filled love and gratitude
Swirled like the breeze around us.
Love and gratitude for human kindness
Love and gratitude for mother earth
Love and gratitude for all blessings today
And those that are still to come.
~annie ricci~
March 31, 2020