Walking in Circles

Waiting 
for eventual summer
wishing long days into existence
hoping
for a vaccinated future
praying for an immune population.

To rub shoulders with strangers
a crowded field 
listening to a band
to hug an acquaintance like old friends
drunk with delirium 
drinking in a pub
to shake the hands of best friends
brotherly greetings 
on a Saturday night.

Until then every break in the cloud
is a reminder of 
brighter days ahead
that clouds may rain hail or snow
but precipitation 
melts or dries away
each day is one day less, one day more
and for now, 
we walk in our circles.

Ciaran Burke