"Moments" a poem by Pam Bates

That moment
When you see someone
You haven't seen in awhile!
You both look up
You recognize
Behind your masks, you smile
And then you both
Move awkwardly
As if to share a hug
And stop
Asif a wall were there
So you don't spread the bug
That moment
When you hear that camp
Is cancelled for this year
You know that
It's the right choice
But you can't hold back a tear
That moment
When your child asks
"Can I go see my friend?"
You weigh the risks
You share your fears
They ask, "When will this end?"
That moment
When you hear the news
Someone you know has died
You wish that you
Could be there
For the family as they cry
That moment When you see someone

Who will not wear a mask
Your anger
overwhelms you
Why is this too much to ask?
That moment
When a co-worker
Hugs their child while you're on Zoom
Everyone
Smiles a little
Even once they've left the room
That moment
When your quiet time
Gazing at the clouds
Is fractured by
The sound of someone
Talking much too loud
A family
Passes, laughing
at their dog, they say hello
A child
Stops and says
"Nice birds" and then they go
That moment
When you know our lives
Will never be the same
And if they could
Would that be good?
Or would it be a shame?

Pam Bates identifies as a mom, a UU, and a permanent student of life, humanity, and divinity.