Saddle River July 13, 2022

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quarantine delivery

The glass door separates us

But at least we can see each other

Waving hello without speaking

Then each taking a photo of the other

As if that's our way to express

A virtual hug each holding the image

I drop off my care package 

Then I turn to go leaving you there

So you can open the door to get it 

Dinner for two that I cooked

And a few other requests you made

As your quarantine drags on

Taking precautions as you should

Though most people do not

Indifferent to spreading infection 

Thinking getting sick is no big deal

You're vaccinated and boosted

And you wear a mask in public indoors

But the very contagious latest variant

Has laid you low for a week so far

Everyone wants this to be over

Acting as if the pandemic is history

With the reporting largely shut down

Even as the next wave takes hold

Let this be a warning to all who live here 

In this country you're entirely on your own

Continue to take what measures you can

Sadly the virus is spiking again 

With health care all about making super profits

With a government that can't be trusted

In a culture that scoffs at social responsibility

Zero COVID is a foreign concept

 

Kittatinny Valley July 10, 2022

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as you wish

As you wish for nothing special 

Just an ordinary day like any other

No gathering of friends to celebrate

No wrapped presents or candles on a cake

No dessert at all but there will be cards

And messages keeping connections

Wishing you continued health and happiness

Appreciating you for who you are

There's one thing that has never changed

Across all the years and places and people

Always speaking with kindness and respect

You find a way to do the right thing 

I do not forget what that means to me

How you bring out my better self

How you hold things together under duress

How you embrace our life together 

And so I take this opportunity to sing your praises 

To give something of myself to you

Who shares my life being the perfect companion

As my way to show my love for you