Up-rising

I haven’t written much of late

as I wait for the weather to change

and this heatwave to break.

The sweltering days have sapped my strength

and taken my words.

I haven’t written much of late

the weeks stretch long, 

the time I have is not my own–

as all is cancelled or postponed.

But if you’ve wondered where I am,

I’m here, putting out my all:
  I am my mother, grace under fire,

  I am my father, hard-worker, provider—

  I am the wall between storm and the sun
  the shield, the front line; I am the one.

  When this moment threatens to steal my soul

  to suck me dry from deep within,

  I plant myself firm ‘tween the rocks and the wind

  as the rebel inside of me rises again.

© Ginny Brannan 2020

The River of Denial

They called it a win 

when the plague slowed 

and fatalities dropped.

And though there was no cure,

they said we’ll “reopen.”

Now they say it is unlikely

we can beat this back.

How can we, when everything

is an affront to our “personal freedom”

and not even those in charge

can pull it together to set an example?

Yes, we’re Number One again…

—Number One in one-day total increase

—Number One in the overall cases 

—Number One in total mortality

another proud moment in American history.

Safety takes a backseat, and we learn

what we’ve known all along:
 American lives are expendable. 
Keep denyin’ y’all…

keep blaming those Chinese.

It may have started there,

but it’s dug in and hunkered down here,

and it ain't over till it’s over.

There’s enough “blame” to go around...

The president golfs.

Americans die.

Just another day in the U.S.A.

© Ginny Brannan 2020

Based on observations and comments read. Ultimately we are responsible for ourselves. Stay safe out there!