Cessation

By: Kelly McDonald

I once journeyed afar.

From Hawaii to Israel in just one day,

east and west coast cities, regular destinations.

But the evening-news, now

casts shadows. In my once shrinking world,

infections increasing, shootings spiraling upward.

I’m troubled to travel.

I have no more desire to tour distant places,

not even the mall, only three miles from my home.

Will we turn into hermits?

Will recluses mark our description? Just

names for delivery, muffled thank-you’s through the door?

Yet I need FaceTime with friends.

To savor her smile, relish his voice, embrace their laughter,

comfort in sorrow, to Zoom together if they prefer.