Patricia Asuncion’s most recent poem to appear here was “Tollway” (May 2020).
One Hundred Days
By Patricia Asuncion
Friday, the thirteenth of March,
marked the start of the nursing home quarantine,
the start of contact by phone or peeks
through a window screen at you,
now caged one hundred days today,
Father’s Day.
It’s a special day because I can
sit outside the steel gate
on the other side of the garden
where you sit. We can see all
of each other for the first time.
We lock eyes, never stop grinning.
When we touch hands through the fence,
we quiver like high school sweethearts.
Eyes shut, you hug that used guitar
as if it were your soul mate, not just my
Father’s Day gift. I was warned
you might damage the guitar, but
your mirth affirms my actions.
The quarantine likely will not end
within weeks or months, especially for the elderly.
Yet, we have sway on how we fill those days.
I’ve left the chair by the steel gate.
I may bring a patio umbrella from home.
Maybe a game.
Achingly beautiful.
Oh so touching, and so true for many of us. Thank you.
Sweet endearing love story. Touched my heart Greatly. ❤️❤️
So poignant. We never know what life will bring us. I pray it brings you peace, love and ultimately LOVE. Sending my love to you from New Orleans.
So poignant. We never know what life will bring us. I pray it brings you peace, love and ultimately Serenity. Sending my love to you from New Orleans.
Poignant