This poem was written in 2020, amidst the global pandemic. It was first published at Whitby Public Library – Archives, in January 2021.

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Quarantine

I stay home.

I work from home.

I don’t spend time in traffic.

I don’t spend money on things I don’t need.

I don’t travel abroad.

There is a mysterious artist in my neighborhood who paints inspirational art rocks.

I live in sweatpants.

I don’t dress up.

I don’t apply makeup.

Sweatpants are the new dress pants.

I save up money.

My garden gets a makeover.

I sleep in.

I cook slow foods.

I skype.

I write letters.

I read dozens of books.

I read this year more than the five previous years combined.

I have more than a hundred unread books in my personal library.

Time to read all those unread books.

I journal.

I write my next book.

I paint.

I craft.

I turn trash to treasure.

I create.

From my book of poetry Sunset in Toronto, page 77.