Nothing is as it should be.
No more dessert and coffee parties
For girlfriends who are no longer girls
At 60 years and beyond.
Smiling faces boxed up on a computer screen,
Like the treasured gifts
that they are.
House decorated
To lift the spirits
Of one.
Family potluck holiday meals
Give way to Google Meet
phone calls.
No crowds in stores at the mall
To navigate
And irritate.
Hours alone online scrolling,
Arms aching,
Pocketbook breaking.
Christmas Mass without friends,
My family
of faith.
God’s message of love now enters my heart
Through the life-giving stream
On TV.
Nothing is as it was.
And all is well
With me.
—Lydia A. Marrufo
December 2022