treasure – quarantine poem

Cassie Nicotera

how in such little time are we being tested to cherish time spent together,

each new newspaper title a reminder to love thy neighbor, hold no hate.

but how can i

when we just continue to lose?

the ones we love, the moments of freedom, hours of sleep due to past regrets.

things which, once the candle is lit

the embers cannot form wax again.

time you apologize for wasting

is enough for me. let me

listen to you and absorb your life. let me

hold these late nights beneath one blazing star

tenderly against me. could i

return the groceries i never ate,

the clothes i never wore.

could i repent avoiding

whimpering, early mornings

in exchange for the laughter and warmth i missed out on.

would you let me indulge in time that i’m positive is being well spent?

would you let me hold you closer, tighter,

just for a few moments more?

close your pocketbooks, tonight is on me.