Isolated

I was isolated before the pandemic

Dancing in a group of strangers and friends Searching for ecstasy in the next experience

Strobing lights on a foggy dancefloor

Huffs, puffs, sips, and half-remembered kisses

I was isolated before the pandemic

Sitting near a gray cat

Incubating after the pain of infidelity

Buzzing ac in a three hundred square foot apartment

Huffs, puff, sips, and half-remembered kisses

I was isolated before the pandemic

Laying with myself

Avoiding fuzzy truths and memories

Altered breathing fueling a soft body

Huffs, puffs, sips, and half-remembered kisses

I was isolated before the pandemic

l isolated myself before the pandemic

Appearing in front of coworkers

Pushing my being to fit into convention

Whirling laptop in grey conference rooms

Sighs, saved breaths, and a scrolling thumb as staples

l isolated myself before the pandemic

Posturing to an online audience

Sharing precious pieces of a whole experience

Ringing alarms on a light up screen

Sighs, saved breaths, and a scrolling thumb as staples

l isolated myself before the pandemic

Scrutinizing my body

Pulling flesh and grabbing skin

Crying eyes on a twisted face

Sighs, saved breaths, and a scrolling thumb as staples

l isolated myself before the pandemic