Saint Simon’s Island, late April 2020
The news goes on reporting, case by case.
Our selves continue, more or less at ease.
We could do worse than shelter in this place.
Work on the Golden Ray appears on pace.
We mind our business, often as we please.
The news goes on reporting, case by case.
Roads show graffiti from a recent race.
Tides cover tracks of wardens’ ATVs.
We could do worse than shelter in this place.
Most passersby respect six feet of space.
Words, smiles, or nods still serve as pleasantries.
The news goes on reporting, case by case.
A mask is seldom seen on any face.
Exceptions come when buying groceries.
We could do worse than shelter in this place.
Each day spent here is evidence of grace.
Life nowhere offers any guarantees.
The news goes on reporting, case by case.
We could do worse than shelter in this place.
Jane Blanchard divides her time between Augusta and Saint Simon’s Island, Georgia. Her fourth collection with Kelsay Books is In or Out of Season (2020).
© 2020, Jane Blanchard
Halfway Down the Stairs 