In a peaceful bubble inside the fog
I sit on a picnic bench, sipping my mocha,
and watch the mother playing with her toddlers
on the beach – constructing buildings of sand
and a woman is lifting her kayak onto her car
“Can I help?” I ask. She laughs behind her mask
and shakes her head no – she has done this
many times before – but thank you for the offer!
For a little while I take a break from what lies
on the other side of the grounded clouds.
Without being able to give you the reasons why
I know I am safe in this bubble in the fog.
– Karen Molenaar Terrell