In 2021,

COVID still rampant.

We were able to come to school—

But only under specific 

conditions.

Wear a mask, 

If you’re sick— don’t come.

And you must have your

Up-to-date vaccinations.

It wasn’t too bad.

I was glad that I 

Wasn’t stuck home anymore.

I went to school, barely talking, 

Rarely raising my hand.

All other students did the same.

I was shaking everyday.

My stomach twisting and turning

Like a storm in the ocean that

Never stops

And the waves seem to

Only get stronger.

I get on the school bus

After a day of the ocean 

Whipping and whirling

Inside of me. 

My breath sharp,

My chest rising and falling

Without any pause.

Listening to music, 

With my busted earbuds.

Full volume.

Drowning out the hurricane.

It hurt my ears but I

Just thought it would make me

Feel better.

I walk home, my knees

Weak. 

I make it to the door, 

My hands shaking,

My eyes watering

It’s too hard see—

The key, nearly in the lock. 

And

I’m inside. 

I see my dog waiting for me.

His short tail wagging

And his brown eyes big with joy.

The hurricane within me slows

And the ocean is still.