Camp NaNoWriMo Day 13: Seven Things I Have Run Out Of – a poem

Day 13 of my #StayHomeRhymeMo challenge to write one poem about COVID-19 and its impacts every day. At some point I’ve got to run out of ideas! Check back tomorrow for  a companion poem to this one.

Seven Things I Have Run Out Of

a COVID-19 poem by Lauren Hallstrom

 

I.

Patience. I have been inside for five weeks now

and there are still people going to the grocery store every day for fun.

 

II.

Hand sanitizer. It’s not like I need it anyway

when I am never farther than 20 feet away from a sink

but what I have is expired and I no longer trust it.

 

III.

Makeup wipes. With no one to see me

I shouldn’t care but this is the only time I have time to care.

 

IV.

Motivation. It is so easy to stare at bright pixels

on a screen for hours. My pillow is so soft,

my bed so close.

 

V.

There is no more interest in the news

for me; every article is the same.

Last month, every day was scouring the web for answers.

 

VI.

Things to do. I have organized my email inbox

and cleaned my hairbrushes. I have sought out every pastime.

I have let the days blur together.

 

VII.

I have run out of

reasons to complain. We are here, and we are safe, and

I am grateful.