Advice from Isolation

Three months of isolation 

yet I have not been truly alone.

My thoughts have bombarded me like a tsunami,

fracturing the me that was before.

Months ago, life had a draconian schedule, there were too many things to do.

I dove into the icy waters of the swimming pool everyday.

Now, that the pools are empty and bare, I miss the chill on my skin.

I have learned to dive in when I can, and not to wait.

Months ago, I was taught in a classroom.

The laughter of my friends was the soundtrack of the day.

Now, with everyone muted on Zoom, there’s no more music.

I have learned to appreciate the many voices that made up my homeroom’s ensemble.

Months ago, shopping malls were open and populous,

people, like a colony of ants, shimmying from place to place.

Now, parking lots are deserted and the stores are darker than caves.

I have learned to appreciate closeness and company.

Sometimes, I think the world seems to be in its own dungeon.

But three months of isolation has changed me truly.

Now I know the key to happiness is held in a thought...

and I will keep my thoughts positive.