Recalling when I was an intern at The Telling Room, a non-profit Community Writing Center in Portland, Maine. My assignment was assisting with a workshop for fourth grade students. The room was bustling with energy and the workshop facilitators were offering rapid fire writing prompts the kids were responding well to. Until this one. The prompt was simply HOME.
At my table 4 of the 5 kids seized up. All I could see was spooked horses. Eyes white and bulging, frozen for a moment before they prepared to dig stirrups into their own hide to bolt.
It was quiet but I murmured 'I wasn't always happy at home. It wasn't a cozy place. I felt more at home running by myself in the woods...'
Oh? The young girl next to me said.
And then I, 'Is there a place like that for you?'
She finally exhaled the breath she had taken in when she first heard the prompt. She described her after school drama club where she loved who she could be and she could be ANYTHING.
I said 'Oh. Home.'
The others mentioned distressed parents, awkward step parenting. Much, much was left without words.
I remember that today as City of Portland institutes a Stay At Home Ordinance to curb the spread of Covid19.
May we all find our way home.
When the directive is: Stay at home.
When the directive is: Stay at home.
Preble Street Resource statement :
https://www.preblestreet.org/updates/preble-street-covid-19-action-plan-and-policy-recommendations/
It's not easy in my home. With a bathroom and running water and a kitchen and some food and internet.Imagine without.
Dear Anonymous,
Many of them are sleeping outside. During the day the ones that have temporary shelter at night often are having trouble finding a bathroom to use. Ones roaming the streets after 2 AM are even more suspicious to police. Their usual shelters for coffee are not available to congregate. Overall the mood is anxious. Short tempered.
Some of their community resources have had to close. Cut back.
Like trimming a penny that wasn't ever enough.
I see them briefly. Put on gloves and hand a card. I miss being able to put my hand on their sleeve. Or their shoulder. Or the occasional hug. All that not the way at the moment.
The socks and coffee cards remain urgent.
It's not easy in my home. With a bathroom and running water and a kitchen and some food and internet.
Imagine without.
Love in the Time of Covid19.
Dear Anonymous,
In an informal way of accessing, meaning there's no science or data to my observation, it seems that it's not real clear out here about the virus. Handwashing hygiene is understood and shrugged off by many. Difficult to comply for many. City ordinances regarding gathering seem vaguely understood. Conspiracy theories abound. Incomplete information circulating. High drama and dismissal of risk...both evidenced.
Another threat. Another stress. Another difficulty. Rumor and policy mix and mash.
And I wonder how we help. Coffee card and socks handed out today at arms length with gloves, which felt right and awful and not enough.
Will continue as if I am a carrier which means I'll need to consider for a bit. Unchartered territory.
Love in the Time of Covid19.
Daylight reveals another chapter.
Daylight reveals another chapter.