A la rentrée

The new Normal
has settled in
The City
like the obligatory
relative
staying
 for "just a short while"

We did not have 
enough
stocked up
 our cupboards
linen closets
and
patience
running
out
we
are
on
empty
though
gas prices
are down
no way to escape
this town

So we take Shelter
in
the place
of our memories
poured over
porcelain
and
silver
halide
crystals

We take refuge
in
literary
sanctuaries
shelves
bowing
in the bookcase
begging
for
more

We take comfort
in
computer
coffee shops
and
tea house
conversations
until 
the
connection
falters

And 
we wonder
when

this will be a distant memory
a story recounted
to those too small
to know
to remember

when
 a Littlechap
virus
got his wish

NaPoWriMo  Day 30

Photo by P C from Pexels

*A la rentrée refers to returning home and getting back to real life