I See You (a poem for a pandemic)

I See You (a poem for a pandemic)

I see you in the shadows of night, On the balconies and terraces, Singing a tune while shining your light.   I see you on your webcam trying to work, I know it’s hard with kids in the other room, Ready to pounce, open the door and lurk.   I see you giving a concert over the web, Sharing your voice, music and gift, Joining us as one and pausing your celeb.   I see you walking up the road, A cautionary hockey stick apart, Yearning to kiss, waiting patiently to explode.   I see you gleefully playing family board games, Reigniting relationships previously worn thin, Laughing in love, burning the blame.   I see you in your beat-up car, Delivering groceries to the weak and needy, Because your heart is as big as a star.   I see you making handmade masks at home, To fill the shortage that grows large, Not for credit, but perhaps to say “shalom.”   I see you behind the plastic and conveyor belt, Scanning my food with a smile from ear to ear, It’s not what you asked for but what has been dealt.   I see you at 7pm banging your pots, Feting our angels, the healthcare heroes, Who continue to deal with the COVID knot.   I see you in the ICU, Stricken, helpless, reflecting on a life, This is not goodbye rather a momentary adieu.   ~Dan Pontefract, April, 2020