“Consistency” (5/17/20; written during the COVID-19 crisis)

This year has had
too many changes.
It has made me sad
when I turn good pages.

The quick transitions
between these chapters
were in odd positions,
making me struggle after.

Only one month into
every new college course,
I went from refreshed to
feeling a lot of remorse.

I had no idea I’d arrive
back home so soon.
Didn’t know I’d lose time
with my dorm-mates I knew.

I’m sad I didn’t always
spend time with my peers
before the crisis came
and the future was unclear.

If this school year was normal,
I would’ve been on campus,
Still living in my dorm and
talking to friends in my classes.

Since that suddenly wasn’t so,
I haven’t seen them at all.
But nonetheless, I grow
and keep walking tall.

I’m thankful to stay in touch
with everyone from home.
I appreciate it so much
that I’m not in this alone.

These circumstances
are really not ideal.
There are fewer chances
to address how you feel.

We all need something
to navigate uncertainty.
Find whatever will bring
some consistency.

When life packs a punch
and you’re not feeling great,
on your own, it’s too much.
Give yourself a break.

Slow down. Reach out
to people who care.
Don’t let your burnout
convince you no one’s there.

Talk to them often.
Be open when you can.
Don’t feel like you’re off in
a distant, lonely land.

Life is filled with
pages that you write.
A large, sudden shift
might turn off the light.

That doesn’t mean
that page is done for.
Keep some routine
and write a lot more.

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I wanted to clarify the last 2 stanzas. The light is referring to our vision of our lives. Routine is referring to consistently reaching out to people more. Thank you for reading!