Even in the Time of COVID

I published my first book of poetry, dedicated to my mother who died of COVID-19 the day after Thanksgiving. It is available in softcover, eBook, and PDF formats through Blurb.

2020 was a stressful year for most of us, with joys amid the limitations and sorrows. The fourteen poems in this book reflect my pandemic experiences as I hunkered down at home, and shifted to virtual visitation with my mother who was in a nursing home.

As my mother's POA, I purchased for her (with her own money) a lovely Celtic harp and learned to play some simple tunes for her during our Facetime visits. It was a wonderful way for us to have quality time together, and she enjoyed my playing and a number of singalongs. Even with her dementia she remembered the lyrics to many of her old favorites and popular tunes. So there was much to be thankful for, including the technology that made it possible for us to spend time together.

Here is the poem from which the book takes its title:

Photo of my mom, via video, shortly before she passed away from COVID-19.
Even in the Time of COVID

You went peacefully

Even though it was

The time of COVID

When so many with it

Did not.

And we were able

To be with you

In your final days

Final hours

As you took those

Last

Faint

Final

Imperceptible breaths.

We watched

From our homes

As others cared for you

So kindly

So thoughtfully

So tenderly

And we had peace

Even in our sadness.

Family gathered together

Around the globe

To be with you

As you calmly

Gently

And with dignity

Slipped away.

 

If you would like to order the book, click here to purchase at Blurb.

You can also read my previous blog post about my Mom's passing. It has a short bit of me playing harp. And there is a new page with the same title as this post, so I can keep it at the top of the menu.

Note: All original photos, images, and text on this page are my own, copyrighted by me. If you want to add them to a social website such as Pinterest, please only do so if you credit the photographer (Randi Kuhne) and if you link to this page, I appreciate it! If you want to use my photos in your blog, please ask permission first.