Regression
As we get to the end of 2020,
breathing carefully, not too
close to other breathers
(depends if they’re family, and
especially on whether we share
family domicile or not) we also
grow used to the slower pace.
How refreshing to find ourselves
imperceptibly freed, little by little –
joking about it, some of us; others
kissing their hands to friends online,
laughing over twitter or Insta or fb: a-
mused by the realisation that (surprise!)
now we are no longer frantic,
or driven by peer pressure, to do
petty mindless things that used to
quicken our pulses – while stopping our
reflective abilities, our in-the-moment
serene or fervent intake of this life
that we came here to experience, not
uselessly deflect, avoid, fail to notice.
Verily, we’ve been given a reprieve;
we can return to an older, gentler way.
Yes! Let’s celebrate this going-backward
zest, this quiet zing, this new chance!
Written for my own prompt: Let's Celebrate, for Weekly Scribblings #46 at Poets and Storytellers United.
Slowing down and living mindfully are certainly good outcomes of the lockdowns...and happy belated birthday!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Deletehere's to hoping we do ~
ReplyDeleteYes ... or will we be encouraged to spend, spend, spend for the sake of the economy, and find ourselves back where we were before?
DeleteHow often we would like to put the clock back to do this and sadly the regret that one's chance is gone hurts a lot.
ReplyDeleteNow that we're forced into it, perhaps we can keep it.
DeleteAlthough I seem to have got used to the slower pace, time is flying like a demented albatross! Where does it go? The end of 2020 is in sight – we have all been looking forward to it – and all I can think about is what’s next? I enjoy the online chats and will continue with them, and I’m in no rush to do petty mindless things. First and foremost, I look forward to celebrating together with my daughter and grandson.
ReplyDeleteI know! Everyone around me is saying the same, and I feel it too – despite the slowing of the pace and the sameness of the days in isolation, suddenly the year seems to have whizzed by!
DeletePS I love 'demented albatross'. (Grin.)
DeleteGreat write, A to Z, R! I esp liked the backward zest, the quiet zing. (What, no O?)
ReplyDeleteOMG I missed the O line! Well spotted. Now I'll have to work it in somehow. Stay tuned.
DeleteDone!
DeleteI love how you've turned the restrictions of this pandemic into causes for celebration!
ReplyDeleteEverything comes with a good and bad side, don't you think? Besides, I was brought up on Pollyanna: 'There's always something to be glad about.'
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ReplyDeleteStay home our new watch words
Much💝love
Yes ... for months and months.
DeleteI had settled into comfy retirement some years ago and I have pretty much stuck to the plan ..... I do miss being spontaneous, having to plan ahead, make certain I carry a mask at all times ... I worry for my immune system compromised son who works at the front of a busy supermarket. So far, so good.
ReplyDeleteCrossing my fingers and toes for your son! As long as he is taking sensible precautions....
DeleteI enjoyed your birthday reflective poem, Rosemary. It occurs to me those of us who are retired have encountered less upheaval than those still working and facing the fact of working at home...or even cessation of work and paycheck, and all the attendant worries that brings. 2020 seems to have passed in some sort of weird limbo ... and it's ongoing. Hopefully 2021 will bring better times.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's relative. As you say, we retirees are not so impacted as many others. My son (who lives in Melbourne, where they've had a long lockdown) already worked largely from home, so not a big adjustment for him. His partner was able to adapt to that easily, having meetings on Zoom. But their teenage daughter has chafed at not being able to go to school to be with her friends and get personal teaching. Lessons online are just not the same – and my son and d-i-l are far too busy with their own work to be of much help to her.
DeleteOne of the pleasant surprises that came from this pandemic was seeing how close my family really was. I know that makes us exceptionally lucky. I've seen relationships fall apart and heard from Darling Youngest what a hard time some of their friends are having in less than ideal situations. Both my kids are just on the edge of being adults so I'm savoring this small bit of grace having them home just a little bit longer.
ReplyDeleteThat's certainly a bonus!
DeleteSo true. Lately though, the slower pace plus the shorter days are making time drag. Some days never end!
ReplyDeleteIt's really weird how the time has simultaneously dragged and reached the end of the year so fast!
DeleteYou ABC poem is seamless. Must give it a shot...a real challenge I suspect. Verily..now that was inspired and gave me a giggle !
ReplyDeleteBut is it poetry? (I tried, but hard not to get prosey with this form,.)
DeleteI like this very much, Rosemary. I know the first thing that comes to mind, when life pushes us to do something we didn't choose, is plain frustration. But living can be so much brighter if we just find a way to appreciate the good that might come out of the bad. My Piano Man and I love being able to spend a lot of time together, at home, reading, cooking, walking around the house in our undies (or not *cough*). Things aren't great, but there is some good to be found in the mess. And that is worth celebrating.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It must be much harder for people who have lost jobs and businesses. But at least they're still alive; so many others have not survived. I think every moment on this wondrous planet is cause for celebration.
Delete"petty mindless things that used to quicken our pulses – while stopping our reflective abilities" is a neat time in life, sort of carefree and self indulgence. Aren't we glad we outgrew this (or never had it)?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your hosting and nice prompt. I always like to see how the prompter handles his/her own prompt. You pleased me, did well.
Thank you, Margaret
..
You're welcome, Peter!
DeleteWhat a great use of the abecedarian!
DeleteThanks, I'm glad you think so.
DeleteThere's something significant about going through the whole alphabet, A to Z, and titling the poem "Regression." I'm not sure what it is. That aspects just tugs at me for some reason.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, yes, I can't exactly explain it either but I kinda see what you mean.
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