I’m a Covid child...
Recognize my smile...
You’ve never seen my face...
It’s been covered for a while...

My eyes dart left...
And then to the right...
My eyes are wide open...
And full of fright...

My lungs are week...
From a lack of oxygen...
I’ve never played with another baby...
In my overpriced playpen...

I don’t know what it’s like...
To feel grandma’s lips on my cheek...
She’s never held me even once...
My life’s already so bleak...

I’ve never seen her facial movements...
She hasn’t taught me how to laugh...
I sick and tired of wearing a mask...
It’s already been a year and a half...

I don’t know what’s it’s like to be normal...
In the short time I’ve been here...
I’ll never learn how to smile bright...
That’s the crux of all my fear...

So let’s get back to normal...
We should all reconcile...
It’s time for all of us to go maskless...
It’s time for all of us to smile...

© 2021 Jeffrey Pipes Guice