The Corona
I like to think of the corona around the sun
its aura extending millions of kilometers into space,
not the vicious virus bearing its name emptying
streets, roads, classrooms, offices , museums ,
creating a slab of silence everywhere, driving
people into their homes close to their phones,
their lives suspended while they wish for
summer to host their gatherings again
tossing garland after garland of marigolds,
zinnias, and impatiens as they celebrate
clasping hands, staying close together,
eyes brimming, echoing the aura of sunlight.
In the mean time I watch a pair of mourning doves
on my porch rail peck at each other’s cheeks
or just sit in puffs of comfort doing nothing.
Janet Krauss, who has two books of poetry published, “Borrowed Scenery,” Yuganta Press, and “Through the Trees of Autumn,” Spartina Press, has recently retired from teaching English at Fairfield University. Her mission is to help and guide Bridgeport’s young children through her teaching creative writing, leading book clubs and reading to and engaging a kindergarten class. As a poet, she co-directs the poetry program of the Black Rock Art Guild.