Not so long ago the world was wide open, though it wasn’t so for me.
Not so long ago people were open, affectionate, though it wasn’t so for me.
Not so long ago quarantine was an abstract, though it wasn’t so for me.
Eight long years the world was closed to me while my heart lay widely bared alone.
Eight long years my door was bereft of shadow, no visitors, knocks & no doorbell tone.
Eight long years I’ve lived this life you’ve tasted, these walls & wards are all I’ve known.
Too long has life been small & quiet…shutdown. But, now it is so for all.
Too long have I langoured abandoned & ailing. But, now it is so for all.
Too long have I been confined by circumstance. Alas, now it is so for all.
L.B.Stowe 