She came into town
breathless with excitement
they were dying around her
but she wanted to go for coffee
to get her nails done, her hair, wax the city
burn the little temples of obedience
she didn’t think a swath of fabric
let alone standing apart like courting
birds
could slow the spread of something
fictional
she was young, though not as young as others thought
Botox took care of that
and a little filler
her heart was set on
kicking up her heals and the virus
was just a news cycle
nothing to take seriously.
Waking in hospital she
momentarily forgot to
smooth her hair down until
she felt her fingers brittle and cracked
her beautiful face marred with fever
“at least I survived” she smiled
with yellowed teeth, hot with flux
half joking at the scared nurse who
was working her second double shift.
They decided not to tell her yet
until she was out of danger, if indeed she ever
was
that her father, mother and little sister
were not going
to wake up again
and join in her
merriment.
As I’ve a family member who recently tested positive, this rings very true. Excellent, Candice!
I was counting how many people I knew who had had Covid and who had gotten very sick and/or who had relatives who had died. My neighbor lost her mom, dad and cousin to this and was in the ER herself. It staggers me when people think it’s best we just sacrifice people and get on with it. I know we have to get on with it but there has to be some wisdom to the method. I hope your family member recovers dear Karen thank you for reading this
Sad but true….
Terrifyingly true.
Yes my friend but on the flip side there are those who CARE and do what they can to help others and that really fills my heart with hope. Sending you love xx
Yes it is – and it disgusts me that it is – but on the other hand there are kind and good people and that gives me hope xo Thank you so much Becky
wow… you nailed this! Wonderfully penned! ❤
Dearest Penny – thank you so much for those lovely words! I appreciate them very much
*shakes head* Everyone who questions me when I survey and screen them should read this. This piece is a powerful one, Candice.
Thank you Tre. You know. You more than anyone. I know that and every day I think of you and pray you are all right because of those who don’t care. Your light shines brightly my friend.
You’re welcome! Thank you! Hang in there, love. 💙
Keep shining brave girl
I will. Thank you. *big hugs*
Fantasy can throw the dice with Reality and for a little time seem to win, but when the stakes are life and death, the gamble never pays.
Reblogged this on cabbagesandkings524 and commented:
TheFeatheredSleep – A wager lost, very lost.
Oh my god, this is heartbreaking and sad. It describes the grief and insanity of these times very well. Beautifully written piece. It’s a must read for all.
So very sad but honest and true! :_(
My favorite lines: “she felt her fingers brittle and cracked
her beautiful face marred with fever
“at least I survived” she smiled”
This is so on the mark. I cannot believe how selfish people can be, especially those who will not wear masks or social distance. My mother in law died of Covid19, I have a couple of friends who have had it too. I have been in and out of hospital since early June so I know what hospital is like, scary. I am wearing a cholecystectomy drain and bag and probably won’t get my final operation until middle to late September which will mean I will of had the bag for nearly 4 months due to Covid19 blocking up the system … Normally it something sorted in 8weeks. This virus is real. Thank you for writing this. 💜
Profoundly chilling
OMG! You captured the selfish, thoughtless and devil may care belief and attitude we see everywhere!! Thanks so much for sharing this – Loved your last lines and the belated and sad revelation of the consequences of foolishness brings!! Bellissimo, My Dear, Bellissimo!!
xoxo
😘💕🌹
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet and commented:
Please Do Not Miss This – Please Share it with Others
We must be strong and get through this 💜
Thank you so much, I will offer the same to you 💜
❤️ my friend
Thank you my dear friend 😊💖
I’m so sorry. I gave seen the same my friend. You are so right. It shows that many of us simply do not care for others. ❤️ fortunately some still do
I am praying for you my brave friend. If ever you need to talk you have my email I care
Thank you so much ❤️
I’m here for you if you need a friend
I’m so desperately sorry it’s been so bad
Thank you 💜
Nothing lasts forever 💜💜💜
Well that is true. But things could be less awful at times couldn’t they? I do wish that for us both my friend
Just sending you a lot of love and a big virtual hug also
Thank you sending one back 💜🐾
Fingers crossed please 🤗
And toes xx
Yes indeed 💜