Returning To Normal… Or Moving Forward

With the availability of the Covid-19 vaccines increasing, and the states beginning to open up a bit, it occurred to me that it might be time to write a poem about what that might mean for all of us… how it might look.

What is the transition going to be like for you?

For me, I will probably be ever watchful and careful when out with friends or in public anywhere. And I will try to curb my judgment about how others are coping — all the while doing what I think is best for me. It will not be an instant healing from the trauma that this pandemic has brought. No, as the old adage states, “Time takes time.”

And, as the poem implies, there are no rule books for our ongoing behavior as we hopefully move further and further away from the pandemic. But there are opportunities for each of us to be kinder, more patient and loving with each other.

The wisdom, “Whatever the question, love is the answer,” fits this transition time perfectly.

RETURNING TO NORMAL… OR MOVING FORWARD

A.P. A. D. Hmmm… what does it mean?
Like with other aphorisms, it’s just one more to learn:
Anticipatory Post-pandemic Apprehension Disorder…
There! It’s named! So, what is the concern?

We’ve gotten used to social distancing and washing our hands.
We forget, and wear our masks even when we’re home alone!
We bump elbows, do air hugs — blow kisses, too.
It has become for us, our comfort zone.

Currently, science is winning over political suppositions;
There’s light at the end of the tunnel, at last.
People are lining up for vaccines.
Though a long time coming, relief is in the forecast.

In the rush to return to “normal” we need to decide
What parts of “normal” are worth rushing back to.
We have an opportunity to design a kinder world.
We can predict our future by creating it. It’s true!

(Besides, “normal” is an illusion;
It depends on where you lie.
What is “normal” for the spider
Is certain chaos for the fly!)

Look at it like this: a parable, if you will:
Suppose everybody went away on an extended trip.
In their absence the world moved and changed.
And, when they returned there was a new landing strip!

The end of the pandemic is finally in sight.
There will be a new set of rules, not like before.
But what are they? The mind is boggled a bit.
Transitions are tricky! It’s disconcerting…and more!

The trauma of change, the emotional upheaval,
Whether you’ve experienced the loss of loved ones, or not,
Has left its mark — has left us uncertain;
But now it is hopeful, and better by a long shot!

Take it easy as you go — take baby steps first!
It won’t be the same as it was before.
It’ll be different now, maybe even better.
Have fun as you go — as you continue to explore.

Be patient and kind with yourself, and with others.
Each one of us heals at a different rate.
Accept that others are dealing with stuff, too.
Believe it will get better, as the fears abate.