By Mona Mehas
PROMPT—During Covid-19 ...
When did I become a hermit?
I loved city lights
music ringing from local clubs
I’m different now
Was it when I locked away
hidden from a virus
unknown pathogen
concern for the future?
Worry led to anxiety
I could do nothing right
overthinking situations
paralyzing myself
Stepping back I took a break
set up boundaries for my protection
ended over-commitment
self-care a priority
My companion on this journey
Spider preferred the shadows
room to weave her web
both home and sustenance
Relaxation began to settle
between my bones and tendons
breathing came easier
confidence grew
I emerged a new person
more vibrant and alive
my skin magnificent
wrapped in brilliant threads
Mona Mehas (she/her) writes poetry and prose from the perspective of a retired, disabled teacher in Indiana USA. A Pushcart Prize nominee, her work has appeared in over 70 journals, anthologies, and online museums. Her first poetry chapbook, Questions I Didn’t Know I’d Asked was published by LJMcD Communications in March, 2024. Hand-Me-Downs, her second poetry collection was published in July, 2024 by the same publisher. Two of Mona’s poems received first place honors in the 2023 Poetry Society of Indiana Fall contest. She is writing her second novel while querying the first. Mona writes from Noblesville, Indiana.
Comments