The isolation and restrictions involved with the pandemic have been good for my writing. I have the time and I don't have distractions. But to write about the world today has been too much for me and mostly I have stayed away. Dystopia isn't my thing. But I did write a little the other day, in response to a submission call. They turned it down. I thought I would share it here.
Welcome and Farewell.
Two envelopes need to be delivered.
One bears the name of my nephew and his wife and inside is money for them to buy something for the new baby. I’ve added a personal note on the card. “I would have loved to shop for your baby girl, but this way I’m positive you’ll like the item purchased.” I am unlikely to see the new baby until some point in the future. This child has entered the strange reality of a pandemic lockdown; there will be no baby shower. I’m mailing the card next week.
The second is addressed To the family of M__________. Inside is a donation to the charity of her choice, “in memory of” and a condolence card. There are far too many memories to condense into a personal note. We’ve been neighbors and friends for years and years. I last saw my neighbor mid-February before this all started, and when we returned from a trip three weeks later, the Covid 19 restrictions had fallen between us. There will be no funeral. I’m delivering the card today, curbside.
Welcome and Farewell. Farwell and Welcome. We are saying goodbye to many things, on a personal and societal level. The welcome that we must accomplish contains so many unknowns.
Two envelopes need to be delivered.
