Blooming in Isolation

By Bilva Chandra

In March of 2020, everything hit pause
As doors closed and human interaction was quelled
Societal conception of normalcy fell
In came flooding, memories of what once was

But somehow, somewhere between within and without
I can see it all so lucidly. I bloom.
Finding the depths of pain and joy, in my room
Feeling the heat of personal and collective doubts

I sing like a bluebird, careless and free
Nature advances, the cherry blossoms in full bloom
Perspiration on my brow, fighting against the gloom
The sun is in my bones, there’s B.

Finally, for once, internal clarity
And so I surge ahead, fierce with hope
Always tested for resilience, the ability to cope
My face bare in the mirror, there is sincerity

I bloom.