Life after COVID

Late at night, I often find myself reading the Vows section in the NYTimes, which is how I discovered this poem. It perfectly encapsulates my feelings after being locked down. We didn't miss travel, big parties, dining out or meetings of the various groups we belong to.

We missed the small things: the joys of talking with friends — in person — over coffee. Nowdays, when friends come over I tell them my post-COVID mantra: The bathroom is clean, the food is safe to eat and no dust bunnies were disturbed in preparation of their visit. 

 

“Dust If You Must

“Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better

To paint a picture, or write a letter,

Bake a cake, or plant a seed;

Ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must, but there’s not much time,

With rivers to swim, and mountains to climb;

Music to hear, and books to read;

Friends to cherish, and life to lead.”

— Rose Milligan

Comments

[Elizabeth]

"But there's not much time ... and life to lead." Amen to that! Much as I like a clean house, I am so over it having to be immaculate. And by the way, where is my Rosie? She's long overdue. Have a just right day, Linda, in this glorious new season. I always enjoy your musings.

[Linda Brazill]

ELIZABETH — My mom was a perfectionist housekeeper. As the oldest daughter (of four) I caught that illness. I am so over it. I can't believe how casual I am these days. ​

[danger garden]

Having friends come visit and stay with us again has been huge, as well as traveling to visit them. I do love to travel and as much as I love my garden and my home it's good to be able to see new things again, I don't do well when I am stuck in one place for too long.

Thank you for sharing the poem.

[Kris P]

That's a lovely poem, Linda. I had to admire your simple - and rather elegant - dustpan, though! My mother became a hoarder and I developed a strong dislike for clutter of any kind but dust doesn't bother me nearly as much in my own home and I can't say I've ever taken note of it when visiting anyone else's home ;)

[Barbara H.]

Hah! The house is the last on my list of things to do. Finally into good outdoor weather here, so it's not looking good for inside matters.

[hb]

That's a sweet and lovely poem, and very true. Still, cooped up in the house when it's 100F outside, vacuuming gives me some small bit of satisfaction.

[Christine]

Dust is one thing; dog hair quite another. Not as easy to ignore and far less poetic. It's a never ending battle in my house...