We moved cross country in the
middle of a pandemic to
self-isolate and shelter in
place.

We wonder if there are
neighbors in the
houses on our new street.

No one is out.

We are not alone in feeling
isolated. Adults miss
co-workers they dislike.
Kids miss school classes they
hid under covers to avoid.

Isolation slices at the universal connection we share.
There is distance between us.

No hugs.

No shared laughter over a
bottle of wine at a
favorite restaurant.

Each on our own
desert island, wondering if
we’ll ever return.

© Hilary Clark ~ May 29, 2020

My poems are inspired by my art.  See the piece that inspired this poem here.