Stimulus

Downtown locked in covid and concrete
tired legs measured that six feet in the tunnel
familial lines kept the distance from each other
curious minds learned to live in parallel verse
wintry twigs revealed the maze beneath it
we wish to vaccinate for another season.

Wooden chairs teared up in Christmas
measures couldn't measure the life
debates and votes delayed the promise
the senate quarreled over dollar sums
debt calculations trumped the penniless
our prayer flowers may free up the souls.

Lives peeked over the line for the mail check
tongue moist the lips behind the mask
aspirations strayed within the moratoriums
empty stomachs craved for the stimulus
street lights yearn for glassy reflections
downtown still looking for an unlock.

---

Last week, I talked to two of my friends. One of them said she could buy a used car that would ease her commute to work. Another one couldn't pay the last month's rent fully. As we know, the politics over the relief dragged it and may not be enough for the needy. Also, talking generally about the pandemic and its effects during this winter. Not just the streets, but the familial lines, activities also limited within bubbles. During Christmas sons, daughters restricted themselves from visiting their parents. We also do have many empty chairs. In winter, when we look at those dry branches of the tiny trees, it will look like a maze of twigs. It is a picture we all go through, and we wish this phase will change for another season.