Now they tell us that COVID 19 will be with us forever. Some of us have moved on, however, and don't wear masks, or avoid contact, anymore. We are a nation of mask wearers and mask free people now. We no longer trust our institutions; nor do we trust those who run them. We are crisis weary, and most of us realize that living in fear isn't really living at all. I realized this two years ago when I wrote this poem. I have edited it some; but, the sentiment is the same. Life isn't about being safe all the time. A good life is about not worrying unduly about the inevitability of death. Expect it, so you will be prepared when it comes. But, live like you aren't going to die until tomorrow.
I want to do dangerous things again.
I want to feel the wind in my face,
and smell the fresh grass.
I want to walk to the corner store,
without wearing a mask over my face.
I want to shop at the mall,
and walk through it,
without trying to avoid human contact.
I want to sit in the stands
at the football game,
surrounded by screaming fans.
I want to drive fast,
and breathe clean air.
I want to put the top down
and drive the car fast.
I want to pretend I am a warrior,
while playing in the dirt
with plastic soldiers,
next to the creek,
wearing a peanut butter smile.
I want to come home after dark,
not caring whether my mother will yell at me.
I want to do dangerous things again.
I want to steal a first kiss
from the girl I have been dreaming about
in English class.
I want to wake up late,
and miss the seminar,
and eat what I want,
without worrying about getting fat.
I want to do dangerous things again.
I don’t want to be safe anymore.
I don’t want to worry about whether I will die.
I know that I will die.
I know that living is full of risk.
I want to do dangerous things again.