
Nine months later! The world stands in disbelief of this current coronavirus’ surge! Is it the second wave or the third wave? I’ve lost count. Life continues but nothing is the same. I’ve changed my hairstyle. Covid-19 fatigue has become a reality for many, and as I contemplate my old life, I wonder?
Before coronavirus pandemic (BCP), I visited my favorite stylist every six weeks, and I loved his magic—a very sculptured hairdo, but I haven’t seen him since February. Why? For fourteen years before becoming a teacher, I was a beautician, so with my skills, I have trimmed the hair around my face and spiked the top, but I can’t cut the back easily.
After all this over, am I going back to my BCP hairstyle? Read my poem to find out.
My Hairstyles Before and After the Coronavirus Pandemic
November 10, 2020
BCP—Before Coronavirus Pandemic
My stylish haircut
Manicured and neat
Six weeks regular appointment
Worn spiked and short for seventeen years
The same stylist for years
Slowly moved me into an isometric style
Super short on the left side
Cut over my ear
Longer on the right side
Cropped close in the back
A strand of hair left longer on the left side
In the back
At first I said, “No way!”
But I gradually changed my mind.
I love this drastic statement!
Stark
Sharp
Shouting,
“I’m different!”
Add to this
Hot tamale red hair color
Started seven years ago
Another strong statement
Extreme
Bright
Vibrant
NOW
ACP—After Coronavirus Pandemic
No formal haircut
For eight months
No visit with Mark, my stylist
No laughter
No exchange of heartfelt topics
I am a beautician
Have been since 1973!
So, to compensate, I’ve cut my own hair
Around my face
I’ve spiked the top
Combed the longer hair
In the back
Up to my spiked top
Like so many years ago
For Farrah Fawcett’s long shag,
Popular during the 1970s.
Hair—I now have hair!
Nine months later
“My tail” has grown
shoulder length
I catch myself fiddling
With it,
Repeatedly!
My reflection in the mirror
I see curls
Naturally
Lots of them,
An abundance!
Yes, the coronavirus changed
Everything!
This last nine months
Forced me to stop
To slow down
To change
So, I want my hair
To reflect the change!
I’m no longer short-haired and manicured!
I’m still spiked
But curly
Unmanaged
Lengthy
Not manicured
Mindful
Different!
Also, these nine months of the stress and strain of the coronavirus pandemic has caused a phenomenon called “Covid-19 fatigue” for many. Here’s my thoughts:

Suffering from Covid-19 Fatigue
November 10, 2020
I’m tired!
Exhausted!
Days of endless counts
Record cases
So many deaths
Serious, critical cases
Multiple concerns
The world
The United States
New Mexico
Swings, dips and dives
On this rollercoaster ride
We’re on!
An apparent low
After the first wave
A respite
An optimistic view
Of the future
Is it over?
Then the next wave
The surge
Then the next
I’ve lost count!
I’m tired
Exhausted!
Worn out!
Personal choices
For safety
Self-isolation
No dancing
No face-to-face interaction
With friends
No travel
No break
Just the constant
Staying home!
During the summer
Lin’s garden provided
A respite
A paradise
To distract
Luscious time outside
Sunbathing
Working
Enjoying the warmth
The flowers
The birds
The cold weather forced us
Inside
The mundane repeat of
Every day
Not bored; I have too much to do
Just tired of the same,
Bone-tired!
One trip to our family ranch in late August
Since March
Restrictions stopped that!
Cancelations of
Favorite square and round dance festivals
The virus surges
Winter and colder temperatures crowd in
On me.
I’m tired
Weary
An ah-ha moment
I’ve held my breath
For nine months:
Lin and I have not gotten it
We’ve stayed healthy
So far.
Yet, I’m tired of
The stress
The fear
The unknown
The stupidity of
Naysayers
Will it end?
Will we be able to resume life as usual soon?
When can I breathe normally again?
In a month, two, or four?
I’m tuckered out for sure!
In response to the duration of this pandemic, I stated to friends, “I want my old life back.”
One woman’s wise answer surprised me, “I don’t! I want to take what I’ve learned during the pandemic and make a lasting change!”
Here’s my thoughts:

Do I Want My Old Life Back?
November 10, 2020
“I want my old life back,”
I voiced to friends.
A response of one thoughtful woman
Dazed me,
“I don’t want my old life back.
I want to savor what I’ve learned and apply it.”
Her answer jarred me!
Do I really want my old life back?
I miss my rich life
Dancing
Traveling
Friends
Activity
A positive lifestyle I’d chosen.
Looking back, I realized more
A life of
Hurry
Set schedule
Rush
A life of
Demands
Commitments
Craziness
A life of
Travel
But
Extensive preparation
Cat sitter for Jesse
My travel list checked and rechecked
Then the return
A life of constant
Going
Coming
Movement
A life of. . .
These nine months
Stopped me
In my tracks
A total change!
Now my life is
Daily Cribbage games
During breakfast
Three shared meals
Simple evenings
At home
Now my life is
Leisure mornings
Lingering over my daily Quiet Time
Finishing books
Repeated readings
And
New discoveries
Finally finishing
Long-standing To dos!
Now my life is
Lin, my husband
Laughter
Conversations
Hot tub time
Deepened love
Jesse, my cat
Daily brushings
Daily lap time in front of the TV
Constant presence
Now my life is
Relaxed
No pressure
Finally feels like
I’m retired!
So, what I want to do
When we return to our more normal life
Bring my relaxed atmosphere and attitude
To my new life
Give up our hectic lifestyle
Keep closer to home!

Nine months and my life has changed forever! How has your life changed? Have you realized something special? Do you want to return to your life as it was or something different?
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