Bedraggled

Notice dark smudges almost bruises
under dull eyes
that look away more often
than meet

Wrinkles, creases, lines
deeper, persistent
a plague year aged us
in ways beyond days

Hair grown in
grown long
grown grey
sometimes self-trimmed

Finishing February
puts a flourish
on our pallid pallor
we are bedraggled

Some have gained
our own COVID-19
with chips and chocolate
while losses stacked up like cord wood

Fighters rose to challenges
moved to online everything
lovers struggled with skin-hunger
missed hugs and hand-holdings

All show signs of weary
wear and tear
discovered “lounge” wear
gets shabby fast

Our cabin fever burns bright
as days lengthen
snow melts
sap runs

Birds, bees, beasts
pursue life – unaltered
light sparks of hope
that spring can begin

We watch
feel energy shift
from lonely cold dark
towards freedom

To exhale fully
to go out whenever
to get close enough to hug
to get a haircut 

© Carol Good

first drafted in March 2021