Gifts of Covid
By Cheryl Kellogg

During the initial lock down of the pandemic, I was unaware of the group “SedonaKind”. I had been the unsuspecting recipient of two of your spontaneous gifts –the elongated, sparkling creations promoting kindness. Being new to Sedona, I didn’t recognize the source.

I observed kindness throughout Sedona and on much of the media in the first weeks of this Virus. I was encouraged to join a group of 26 random sewers who made and distributed 3,000 masks to the local community and to our indigenous neighbors. That activity plus the creativity of Zoom connections made lock down not only bearable, but inspirational. And I live alone!

During Covid, I was inspired to write poetry for the first time in my life, putting on paper some of my feelings, observations and perceptions. As a new member, I would like to share a few.

20 LAUNDERED MASKS

​Masks
a small sword
against the invasion
of this Virus.

Who me?
I can’t sew…
but wait--
I can sew a straight seam
with yards and yards
of elastic
cut to 7 inches
to fit faces
to fit over ears
so simple so sacred.

MY PANTRY

My food pantry
now extends
to my living room bookshelves
food shopping
usually once per week
or daily
is reduced to every six weeks with a mask.
To buy the kitchen survival staples
that wise cooks recommend for nutrition--
rice, beans, pasta,
tuna, soups, coffee
jello for God’s sake!
Strange décor for a high minded
living room piece
usually reserved for books.
Instead, my stomach takes precedence
over my mind’s materials.
But I’m safe.

ISOLATION: STAY AT HOME ORDER

Coffee perking
comforting, repetitive
Morning quiet with
dogs sleeping
Curtains translucent with early sun
Hazy thoughts, reminiscent of sleeping
and droplets of treasures with memories
of richness, pain,
struggle, redemption then
Gratitude
French Roast coffee today’s simple gift.