Statement of Unity
By: Melissa Delapa
In this isolated time
We all need to be a bit kinder
Don’t go out without a mask
Keep your germs to yourself!
Many pre-made plans have unraveled
Apparently it’s the ordinary things that keep us sane
Sanity through talking on the phone with family and friends
Joy in going for a walk with the neighbors dog
We see hearts open to others
As this illness spreads pole to pole
“Stay apart” the news be-cries
We were not vigilant, we were not prepared
But, heroes emerge to stand up against this virus
Day after day, night after night
The medical professionals, the peace keepers
The food suppliers, the essential workers
They are keeping it all together
We say “thank you” for all that they do
What inspired you to write this poem?
“It is a message about how we are all supposed to respond to this whole scenario . It makes you consider what’s really important. There are so many rules and regulations it can get confusing and frustrating. It will get better it is just hard right now. The news shows a lot of bad and scary things but you need to focus on the positive.”
Can you speak to the personal emotion expressed in this work?
“I feel isolated. I despise not having a schedule, something to do. As someone with anxiety you can’t give into the temptation of negativity. My worst enemy is rumination. That’s why I have journal after journal of writing and artwork.”
What process did you use in organizing this piece?
“I wrote everything down when I was thinking about Corona and how it was affecting the world and me. I paired down my thoughts to the most relevant and meaningful. I wanted to share a more positive message. I started this piece thinking it would be nice to say “thank you”.”
Tell me about the neighbors dog? It sounded important to you.
“My neighbors dog, she seems to know when I’m having a bad day. When I see her, she brings me joy and comfort. She calms me and gives me unconditional love and companionship even though she is technically not mine. I love seeing her and talking walks. Being a part of nature always helps too.”