Kerry Loughman
Social Distancing Becomes Me
Remotely I discard the sentiment
of hearts beating as one
when no two hearts can beat
equally without cost.
I am the least trod path
and mask my fears
with the polished nicety
of a forced smile.
I hoard my words &
live my life
in and to
the minimum:
carry little
drink less
let the least amount
of calories
cross my chapped lips.
Avoid all body lotion & salves
as plenary indulgent
and false prophecy.
Face alone the reality
of deep wrinkles & bone
in the bathroom mirror.
I barter my breath daily
for a snatch of song
from the sparrow.
—Submitted on 07/20/2020
Kerry Loughman‘s work has appeared in Seventeen, The Muddy River Poetry Review, Mass Poetry Poem of the Moment, and Nixes Mate. A retired educator and photographer, she lives in the Boston area.
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