When it didn't touch our town
We were squandering our time running a race
To buy that flat in the city or a drive in the lane.
We have all had a long list of dreams to follow
And yet a million more items to chase.
Until one day suddenly, the fear for our lives,
contained us inside and eventually
led us to a quieter, safer place -
The waiting place.
Waiting for schools to open and buses to arrive;
ears strained to catch the honking of engines
and rantings of crowds nearby;
longing to sit under trees outside;
to taste the cultures we adore
and those that we don't know about.
Everyone is waiting -
to tie again the laces of their shoes,
to never again forget the freedom of any route
to soak in every color of Mother Earth;
To blow a kiss to this world.
Waiting around for a yes.
To breathe a sigh of relief.
Another chance to live-
Once again, wild and free
But maybe this time,
A little more compassionately?
- Poem by Riya Raj
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