gracious response

quietly proud

of those who can

return graciousness

for devastating lies

making dignity

great again

post-COVID

so tired after COVID

but blessed that that is the only

real sign or symptom remaining

what an intriguing virus

with many manifestations

some debilitating

for me, merely fatigue after doing

very little, but slowly i recover

so, “Look out, World!”

vein of courage

long talk

a litany of poor treatment

to speak of and be done

knowing you’ve come

out the other side

knowing that’s behind you

knowing you spoke up

and were heard

understanding you were in danger

but are now mending

and daily gaining strength

grateful even though

there is much yet to face

but also assured there is within

a vein of courage and determination

celebration, even in pain

celebration, even in pain

warms the soul, gives hope

opens the heart to the love

and comfort others would give

waiting to recover

a gentle day, not too hot, not too cold

enough sun to nurture the weeds

and the flowers, though they grow

more slowly and needing more care

i grit my teeth wanting to tend

the blooming iris and mow the too-

tall grass but i need to allow

myself to heal

i have experience in jumping

back into activity too soon

and long prolonging recovery

balance and poise

are not easy to achieve

coping

courage under pain

calm while acknowledging fear

willingness to take one day

at a time in order to heal

emerging

 gentle chat and chuckles

as my daughter emerges

from anesthesia

expertly poisoned to sleep

through surgery pain

uh - oh

 befuddled after trauma

to an extent I am finding

only these months later

as i try to balance the books