by Jameela Merielle

Illustration by Althea Laxamana

A Poem about COVID 19

“The Sickness That Arrived”

I could have sworn the other day the wind

was passing swiftly against my skin.

I could have sworn I saw birds flying through thick and thin.

Yet I lay in bed forbidden to leave,

The fatigue and lack of stimulation

lingering through my body.

I have never felt such desire to feel and stare softly as leaves from a tree fall gently into my hands.

And just a few years ago,

I was frustrated over sun-kissed days

and birds getting in my way.