A Love Letter to Pendamic

Blinking at the shift schedule,

I sparkled in the days of Covid.

As a doorman, I stood firm for eight hours.

My nightmares dragged me six feet under.

Winter hugged me tight still I thrived.

My employer waved at me from behind glass,

and sent appreciation letters.

“You’re a real hero;

We salute your bravery.”

I wanted to shout:

“I’m hungry not brave.

My hunger is vicious,

more powerful than a million Covid germs.”

Today I was laid off,

And Covid whispered

“Bye for now,

"You're a failure."

Mocking the echoes of "hero"

I implored in return:

“My benefactor, my livelihood,

I love your protracted pandemic chill,

Please come back.

I starve again.”