avatarMarla Bishop

Summary

Marla Bishop reflects on her gratitude for privileges and support during her recovery from COVID-19, while also acknowledging the suffering of others.

Abstract

In a personal essay titled "Privileged AF," Marla Bishop expresses her gratitude for the small and large blessings in her life, particularly in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. She contrasts her initial trivial frustrations, such as finding blended instead of virgin olive oil, with the profound relief and joy she feels after recovering from COVID-19 symptoms. Bishop is especially thankful for the care she received from a loved one, which she values more than wealth. Her experience has given her a deeper appreciation for life and empathy for those who have not been as fortunate, hoping that everyone could be as blessed as she feels. The essay also includes a poetry prompt, inviting readers to use ten specific words in a poem, and concludes with acknowledgments to Xavier Van Holde and Jimmy Doom for their contributions, as well as a brief bio of Bishop.

Opinions

  • The author admits to feeling ashamed about her past trivial complaints in light of the pandemic's severity.
  • Bishop expresses a profound sense of gratitude for overcoming the worst of her COVID-19 symptoms and for the care she received.
  • She emphasizes the value of human connection and support during times of illness, suggesting that such care is priceless.
  • The author reflects on the disparities in experiences during the pandemic, with some facing death or severe illness while others, like herself, recover and thrive.
  • Bishop wishes for universal well-being and acknowledges her fortunate position, indicating a sense of solidarity and compassion for all affected by the pandemic.
  • Through the poetry prompt, she encourages creative expression as a means to process and articulate complex emotions and experiences related to the pandemic.

Privileged AF

I give thanks for it all

Photo by Kuma Kum on Unsplash

I’m ashamed to admit I got uncivil

that I could only find blended olive oil

when I was trying to get virgin, you know?

Then COVID-19 symptoms furrowed my brow

and I was left crying at the bitterness of that pill

Today, day 9, I feel ecstasy

Of the inconvenience, annoyance, fear, I'm free

so grateful to be out of bed and able to sit,

that I’ve gotten through the brutal worst of it

unscathed, fills me with glee

That I had someone to care, oh my

day in, day out, what a guy

bringing me food and drinks,

with much welcome and love, methinks

no money in the world could buy

Now, as I start a new day, defying

I think of those dead or dying

without getting mushy or stressed

I wish everybody could be so blessed

for, to be here still is gratifying

Poetry Salvage

Use these ten words in a poem!

  • brutal
  • ecstasy
  • welcome
  • world
  • uncivil
  • dying
  • inconvenience
  • crying
  • everybody
  • trying

Thanks to Xavier Van Holde and Jimmy Doom for the prompts!

Related Reading

©️marla bishop 2020

Marla Bishop is a relationship coach and writer: On medium.com she is the creator of Lilith and an editor of The Bad Influence, The Get Fit Gang, and The Narrative. She lives in London UK with her husband and youngest two children. You can follow her here.

Poetry
Gratitude
Covid-19
Idea Stream
Marlab
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