QUARANTINE LIFE: POETRY PROMPT ---PRIORITIES

PRIORITIES 

I remember the time when I

Would have quickly jumped at the chance

To be the first one at the dance

Today, it’s just not wise

I remember the time when I 

Would have been the first one in the line

Regardless of the time

Now, I see with cautious eyes

I’ve got some stipulations

Concerning situations 

And some things can’t go back

To the way they used to be 

I’ve had some time to ponder

The spell that I’ve been under 

And now that it’s been broken

I have to do what’s best for me

I remember the time when I 

Would just go along to get along 

Pushing back, somehow, always seemed wrong

Agreeable is “nice” 

I remember the time when I 

Would have waited patiently to find 

If sacrifices were a waste of time

Quiet exits would always suffice

I’ve got some strong opinions

Some things you can depend on 

To take and take; manipulate

Relieve you of your voice

I’ve learned I have to speak up

Know when to say “That’s enough”

I hope that you can do it, too

You always have a choice

Why do we aim to please

And stress ourselves into dis-ease

Over things already known 

To put our best interests last?

Lately, more and more

I sense a shift, and I am sure

I’m not the only one who’s questioned—

Just how “normal” was the past?

I remember the time when I 

Wouldn’t have considered all the ways

I could better spend my hours and days

Why must I do anything at all?

I remember the time when I 

Didn’t have a thought, a goal, a plan

Chin up; just to do the best I can

And tried to answer every call

I’ve got a revelation 

And valid hesitation 

And some things can’t go back to the way they used to be 

I’ve never been more certain

Of what’s truly important 

And finally I look and find

That on the list, is me