Pandemic poem #5 is simply a narrative of the creation of Pandemic poem #5. I found that even writer’s block is inflected by this event.
Writer’s Block in the Time of Covid-19
When the poem in your body just won’t be coaxed out,
When the words laugh in mockery, rolling just out of
reach in your mind,
Nothing to do but take a walk between
the raindrops that fall, and fall, and fall,
(always maintaining six feet ‘tween self and mortal others)
Hope the words resent being ignored
as much as any attention-seeking toddler,
Dislike being isolated as much as we do,
Decide social-distancing is not for them,
And will peek back out with a giggle
to check whether you’re looking–
Permit you to catch them off-guard
and lure them to paper.
(Originally written 3/24/2020)
I invite those who are also writing creatively in response to the pandemic to share their words in the comments below. I am sharing the “poem-a-day” on Instagram and Twitter, as well; follow me @mridleyelmes !
Melissa Ridley Elmes 