Penned Up

This COVID-fear induced
self house arrest—
seems I’ve spent half an eternity
penned up with you,
do-si-doing around the rooms,
meeting most times for meals,
yours the only face I’ve seen
up close—without a screen—
for weeks and weeks that rumble on.
Oh, the cancelled trips,
the parties we must miss,
but at least your lips
are close enough to kiss.

Years ago I signed up
for the other half of eternity, too.
If I must be penned up,
I’m glad it’s with you.

~ Keith Tornheim ~