June 2020
Bio Note: Now, we are waiting for things to return to normal—whatever
that means. I am doing my time in Long Beach, California, trying to adapt to leading
workshops via Zoom, hoping to swim and kayak this summer.
Days Waiting
Days waiting
for the OB/GYN
days in line at the DMV
days stalled on the four-level-interchange
or queued at security LAX, JFK:
I want them back.
Days waiting for the rinse cycle
days waiting for the oven to heat
days waiting for water to boil
toast to pop up, butter to melt:
I want them back.
Days passed in cold hallways
days spent at bedside
days stuck in small chairs
waiting for bells, fearing alarms
days waiting for summer to start
days waiting for summer to end
days of migraine, nights of malaise
days of tedium, nights of dread:
I want them back
not for exchange, but to exclaim
this, too, my human life!
Originally published in Gravity: New & Selected Poems Tebot Bach, 2018
©2020 Donna Hilbert
Editor's Note: If this poem(s) moves you please consider writing to the
author (email address above) to tell her or him. You might say what it is about the poem that moves you. Writing to the author is what builds the community at Verse Virtual.
It is very important. -JL