Worse than the Virus

After a walk on empty streets, I took a little break to appreciate the blue sky and breathe in the warm Miami air. I sat there and stared at the little birds instead; pecking at the grass, skipping, singing their birdie songs, flying. Never have I been so jealous of their freedom and lack of concern.

We’re still free, but under one condition: stay the hell away from one another.

This little park, normally full of families on a regular Sunday, is desolate today. Just how I like it, except now I do for different reasons. In the not so far distance, I can see a couple having a picnic with a small child and a dog. I’m glad we’re (not by accident) keeping the distance. If anyone came close to me I’d get up and leave. Something I’d do so stealthily in the past, I now do so shamelessly.

This new global “normal” is the worst thing I’ve seen in my lifetime. Everything is shut down, we’re all paranoid now, and we’re scared — not to mention how many people have lost their jobs permanently. It all seems worse than the virus. But, unless we want to wipe out a whole generation, we must adhere to the new rules.

I haven’t been affected in a major way (yet), not too much has changed in my daily routine either, and I’d say I don’t miss crowded parks and streets, but I’m sort of starting to crave a little normalcy.

For now, nature, writing, and music are keeping me sane during the quarantine.

How are you coping?

Be safe, everyone.
xo