Here’s Looking At You, Sam

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.