Camp NaNoWriMo Day 14: Seven Things I Still Have Enough of – A Poem

I feel a lot more positive today after writing this poem, as compared to its companion poem, “Seven Things I Have Run Out of,” which I wrote yesterday.

We need more positivity in this world. I also know I have a lot to be grateful for, and there are many people who could really use some help right now. Consider checking out the American Red Cross’s urgent volunteer needs page or your own city’s website. I love that you can volunteer from home, which is so important to flatten the COVID-19 curve.

Seven Things I Still Have Enough of

a COVID-19 poem by Lauren Hallstrom

 

I.

Every day is sleep, burrowed in

layers of lethargy and fuzzy blankets.

 

II.

Each time I wake up briefly

and go back to sleep,

there is a different dream waiting for me.

I am falling from rock candy mountains and

competing in my third grade math contest.

 

III.

When I am up,

I have all the time I need.

I can swim through the air in slow motion.

I can wait for my thoughts to catch up.

Time is my bottomless ingredient.

 

IV.

Greasy hair

can be hidden

with braids or top-knots.

There is no need to shower as often.

I call this the rationing of shampoo.

 

V.

There is no limit to open space

here in the countryside,

where I can open the door

and breathe in deep

and run laps around the yard if I like

without ever seeing anybody.

 

VI.

There will always be laughter

over made-up games and bizarre TV commercials.

I can find anything funny. That is the kind of contagion

I can appreciate.

 

VII.

Creativity makes every day new.

In my head, there are worlds building themselves.

Characters are shaking hands and sailing to new islands

not so very distant.