I
Two band aids and an
Index card, but no stays in
ICU-vaccinated
II
Still wearing that mask
Trying to keep other bugs
Away-smart habits
III
Washing hands protects
Us and them, little ones and
Immune compromised
IV
Pandemics are real
Covid can kill, but vaccines
Steal the bugs thunder
Flower remind me
Of the unbridled joy of
Discovering you
Moving water cleanse
Each ripple an old story
Tales replenishing
She is filled with they’s
Them, he and her while you and I
Watch and love their sprouts
Taking a moment
Not to worry, to rest and
Just be with myself
Sunflower power
Growing tall, blooming wide- fierce
Beauty-you go plant!
Part 1
Trying to live a
Softer life, speaking gentle
erasing trauma
Part II
Holding close my love
Of soothing hurt with flowers
Blooming healing balm
Part III
So that they may know
An innocence, a freedom
To pass on instead
Part IV
Although we do not
Forget, we set them free of
The bonds of that pain
Our bodies know what
We have forgotten, how to
Take care of us-trust
Beauty, I admit
I used to be afraid of
Naming you-no more
When those we love hurt
There’s a different kind of grief
Hold them close hearts hug
D.S. Hollie 