with thanks to Andrew Marvell
Stay asleep, don’t stir, little boy
Though you think the world full of toys
It’s far better that you stay still
What you inhale and touch can kill
We can’t even send you to school
And though it’s hot, forget the pool
You can play cops and thieves
But you must run if there’s a sneeze
You can play with your trucks or watch
But never walk down that block
And never speak to any kid, father, or mother
If they’re not wearing some kind of face cover
And as to friends, I’m afraid all you get is me
Five, four, three, two one, ready?
There’s still some hide-and-seek in here
But after half an hour I need a beer
And when you want most to explore
Grumpy me says better to stay indoors
The world’s a fine and public place
But few these days do dare embrace
All I’m saying it seems
Is: Have more fun, remain in your dreams.
Blood Pressure Sonnet
I can feel it already, the blood pressure rising
And the sun and I have just gotten up
I check on the kids then tap on the phone
The Covid stats somehow make me feel not alone
I know I should stop to meditate
Yet I can’t let go of the hospitalization rate
And how New York is down and Texas up and when will it ever stop!
I know I should turn off the tube and finally get serious about home-school
I know I should limit the screens but that’s like trying to fight their dreams
I know I should stop asking why and focus on strategies to survive
So when I hear my mantra, I know, I know, I know
I promise to stop the morning’s stats show
And beholding your sleeping faces innocent of this all
I’ll sit and plan our day, hour by hour, and lift the pall.
Wow, morbid.
All for a, what, .0001% mortality for kids?