But, Here We Are

Summary

The poem "But, Here We Are" reflects on the unexpected realities of life during a pandemic, including the new routines of sanitizing deliveries, social distancing, and the emotional toll of isolation and fear.

Abstract

The poem captures the surreal experience of living through a pandemic, where mundane activities like receiving packages and grocery shopping become fraught with danger and require new precautions. The author expresses a sense of disbelief at the necessity of such measures and the profound changes in daily life, including the need to keep children indoors and the shift from skepticism to stark reality as the pandemic progresses. It also touches on the irony of an introvert's reduced risk due to social distancing, juxtaposed with the internal hysteria and longing for isolation that the situation induces.

Opinions

The author conveys a sense of surrealism and disbelief at the drastic changes in daily routines due to the pandemic.
There is a palpable sense of fear and vulnerability associated with the pandemic, particularly in the early days of its spread.
The poem suggests a critique of initial public skepticism towards the pandemic's severity, highlighting the shift to acceptance as the situation worsened.
The author seems to identify as an introvert and reflects on the personal impact of the pandemic, noting both the suitability of social distancing to their personality and the internal distress it causes.
There is an underlying theme of resilience and adaptation, as the repeated phrase "But, here we are" serves as a mantra for enduring the unprecedented circumstances.

A Pandemic Poem

I never thought that I would be outside on my front stoop cleaning a package with an anti-bacterial wipe just so I could bring it inside and open it for my daughter to give her some clothing that we ordered that she can only wear inside our house But, here we are

I never thought that I would be sitting at my computer constantly refreshing a screen for a Whole Foods delivery time to open up and shine on me because the thought of a trip to the supermarket makes me feel unsafe and apocalyptic But, here we are

I never thought that I would be reminding my kids to stay inside and away from anyone else for days, weeks, and months and that washing their hands is no longer good enough, even ten times a day, because there is something out there that we don’t understand and were wholly unprepared for and this isn’t a drill But, here we are

I never thought that I would be watching the world reject the notice of a pandemic as if it were all a ruse until it hits too close to home and then it becomes much. too. real. or until it spreads all over the same streets that were littered in objection just days prior while it passed from person to person because we wanted to believe, so badly, that it couldn’t be real But, here we are

I never thought that I would be less likely to be infected just because of the way that I am, an introvert, who enjoys a three- to six-foot radius around him at all times and is also not a fan of close-talking and crowded areas with strangers breathing on me and looking at me but the problem is that when you feel like I feel, this hysteria makes you hysterical inside and makes you long for a farm on the outskirts of nowhere But, here we are Here I am

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