To BeYoung, Gifted, and Quarantined

Summary

The web content reflects on the challenges and frustrations of youth during the 2020 quarantine, juxtaposing the traditional fun of being young with the harsh realities of isolation, home schooling, and disrupted graduation plans, and invites readers to engage in creative writing using ten specific words.

Abstract

The article titled "To Be Young, Gifted, and Quarantined" captures the essence of the struggles faced by young individuals during the 2020 quarantine period. It paints a vivid picture of the transition from normalcy to a life filled with unexpected challenges, such as adapting to home schooling and the emotional toll of isolation. The piece, which includes a poem, conveys the disappointment and frustration of missing out on typical youthful experiences and the desire to graduate among peers. Additionally, the article encourages creative expression by prompting readers to compose their own poems or prose using a list of ten words that encapsulate the quarantine experience. The article also acknowledges the contributions of Marla Bishop and Red Mist for inspiring the poem and providing a thought-provoking photograph.

Opinions

The author expresses a sense of disillusionment with the quarantine experience, particularly the impact on the youth who are missing out on the joys of being young.
There is a clear frustration with the shift in roles, where children are now dependent on their parents for education, and parents are juggling multiple responsibilities, including their own work from home.
The poem suggests that the expectation of maintaining a sense of normalcy during such unprecedented times is unrealistic and burdensome.
The inclusion of a writing exercise with specific words indicates the author's belief in the power of creativity and writing as a means to cope with and make sense of the current situation.
The mention of Marla Bishop and Red Mist's work implies that the author values community contributions and collaborative creativity during times of isolation.

Is a drag…

being young is s'posed to be fun… NOT! Weather got hot, siblings fought, trying to be normal, staying informal, with the unexpected challenge of home school, it’s really not cool when your mom is your teacher, and she beseeches ya to do your homework, so she can do her work from home work. Getting so frustrated with being isolated, when all you wanna do is fucking graduate from school with plenty-plenty of your classmates in 2020.

Poetry Salvage

Use these ten words to write a poem. Or prose if you prefer.

Unexpected

Challenge

Trying

Normal

Home

School

Being

Isolated

Young

2020

This poem was made possible by a Coronavirus and Marla Bishop’s Ideastream, Red Mist with the coolest photo:

Marilyn Flower writes political humor and satire to delight socially and spiritually conscious folks. She’s a regular columnist for the prison newsletter, Freedom Anywhere, where she writes about faith and prayer. Five of her short plays have been produced in San Francisco. Clowning and improvisation strengthen her resolve during these crazy times.

To Be Young, Gifted, and Quarantined

Is a drag…

Poetry Salvage

Red Mist

It’s clouding my viewpoint