Needed.

A poem at the turn of day, from day 30 to day 31 of shelter-in-place (Pacific Standard Time).

needed. 

by abigail chen

i want to feel 

needed and worthwhile 

worth something real even 

while we wait 

for a day to feel 

free like the birds

flying in clean 

fresh air and sun. 

i want to feel 

talented and overflowing

over with the isolation 

flowing out of fear 

for a month to feel 

fully convinced that 

family is earnest love,

future is presence now. 

i want to feel 

like you matter enough

letting me feebly crown 

your failures in grace

for a year to feel 

fluttering nerves 

flustered blushes

frantic longing.

Flicker.

Prune.