by Kathleen Kahler Farrell, 05/19/2020, Traverse City, MI

Adult Category

Outside the window where I sit
like a prisoner held captive
by an invisible enemy

robins search for worms
without isolating after their winter respite

a group of deer gathers in the woods
unconcerned about social distancing
to feast on acorns

spring flowers emerge from the earth
despite the order to stay in place

a busy squirrel scurries about the yard
collecting leaves for its treetop nest
like an essential worker

while the rest of the world stands still.