By Addie Esposito (’20)

 

Esposito sequels her poem, “thoughts from self-quarantine,” from last edition.

 

who knew that so many chipmunk cherubs with chubby cheeks call my garden home

that sipping a myriad of teas throughout the day would set me at ease—raspberry, please

that sleeping in a hammock under moonlight and tree branches is a recipe for restlessness

that tranquil strolls at twilight with my mama would populate my old homework time

months ago, I’d be type-typing away, but now I catch the scent of blooming magnolias

now I notice passing houses—Dutch Colonial architecture? it looks like a glorified barn!

a tea + architecture connoisseur with penchants for honey, bergamot, white brick, gas lanterns

 

who knew that my inaugural drive in my dad’s beloved Jeep would ignite such delight

just us two on sunny morning jaunts, windows down, rolling down to quaint coffee shops

caramel, cream, caffeine—the glorious trifecta, elixir for peppy thoughts, food for poetry

all this idle time has been nutritious for my brain, my thoughts, my psyche, my life even

remedial after years of go-go-go, constant stimulation, obligatory foci for all my energy

now I rest on the porch in soft pj pants with unbrushed hair, cupping a mug in my palms

watching the baby red maple sway in the morning breeze, oblivious to the date and time

 

who knew that, in the midst of tragic crises, there’d be oases of cathartic rejuvenation

healing hiatuses from mechanical routine, on-demand living, academic angst, trivial haste

gold linings of refreshing rest, clock ticks traded for organic impulses and rhythms

I’m ceding to moderation, existing holistically, stopping to enjoy the blossoming roses

savoring sylvan sunset strolls, sipping steaming sanguinitea, selecting scarlet strawberries

there’s enticing infinity in my vicinity, a plethora of untapped joys, many things to ponder

thoughts from quarantine abound—my writing hand struggles to keep up with my mind!