the revelation of being still

2020 (covid chronicles)

we sit on the front steps now
another thing we weren’t in the habit of before
and watch the children slide down the banister in their pajamas
race in circles in the driveway
running out the clock
as evening falls

we watch the paltry traffic pass
watch the moon rise
watch the colors come
and go
take notice of the leaves
as they unfurl

we talk more now
another thing we only used to do really 
when one of us was on the road
but proximity changed along with the pace
when it became clear
this is not one to be outrun
and so, we’re not running anymore

it seems
this has all always been here though
if only we sat down for it
put other things down for it
and aimed our bodies forward