Self Expression in a Time of Uncertainty
We are in a time of global uncertainty, anxiety, and isolation. For many of us, it may be difficult to think of much else besides COVID-19 right now. This global pandemic has completely changed both our world as a whole and our day to day lives… a simple trip to the grocery store now seems as dangerous as climbing a mountain. The youth fear for both themselves, their future, and their loved ones. With that being said, April is also the month of poetry; and while you may call it coincidence, poetry is the perfect way for a person to unwind, take a break from the constant stresses of the world, and help to channel our panic. You will find that both reading and creating your own poetry will not only consume and distract your mind, but ease all the negativity from your mind. Dr. John Okrent of Tacoma has used poetry (along with his medical expertise) to help relieve and treat his patients. David Gutman of The Seattle Times interviewed the doctor and discusses how Okrent is using poetry as means of therapy: “Okrent, 39, has a way of dealing with this strange phenomenon. He’s writing poems about it — sonnets.”. Okrent wrote one of the sonnets on March 18th, 2020 just as the virus was getting even more serious:
Another beautiful day. Disturbing
to see so many people walking the waterfront
as if the sky weren’t burning. The fish market is closed.
The café is closed. The bar is closed. The daffodils
are heedless. Today, the first death in Tacoma. A woman
in her 50s. Droplets cover me, probably. My neighbor veers.
While this is not the most uplifting poem, Okrent describes it as something to “help me deal with the stress of my days”. The poetry Okrent writes for his patients is extremely personal and private, however we are able to see his expression in such poems as the one above. The contents of the poem are slightly gloomy, however Okrent is using poetry in order to further express himself, and also provide close communication with his healing patients. Check out the article below to read more about Okrent and his poetry:
Gutman, David. “A Tacoma Doctor Treats Patients and Writes Poems about Coronavirus.” The Seattle Times, The Seattle Times Company, 10 Apr. 2020
Kimberely McCaskill, a critical nurse from Baton Rouge, Lousianna also shared her poem, titled “Corona War”:
Our world has changed in a blink of an eye
For overnight it seems like our loved ones have said goodbye
The Corona Virus has made a stance
And now we lead a life of social distance
The enemy has come to attack all we hold dear
To refuse us the happiness of all we hold near
People are dying and there’s a lack of supplies
We can see the fear, worry, and the horror in their eyes
But rest assured that God is with us
He created man and woman in the book of Genesis
We are His beloved children and He loves us all
And because of Him, Doctors and Nurses will answer the call
To be there for you and your family in your time of need
Please protect us and give our warnings heed
So we can better fight this battle together as one
United, with God, this war is already won
While both poems are very well written, McCaskill’s offers a much more positive and invigorating outlook to the virus. Her words both sympathize with those affected by the virus, expresses gratitude toward the medical field, and instill the hope that the world will soon heal from this pandemic. Although a large portion of the poem is about God, people of all faiths or those who are not religious can relate to McCaskill’s writing and feel inspired by the overall message of her poem. To read on about McCaskill:
Staff, WAFB. “Critical Care Nurse Shares Poem about Coronavirus.”, 4 Apr. 2020
While Dr. Okrent and Nurse McCaskall have both been working countless hours to ensure the safety of their patients, they have still found time to express their feelings. For all of us, parts of our lives have been put on hold and we are living through a time of constant change and uncertainty, however poetry offers a great way to spend your time and energy.
