There Are Still Choices Left..... Poem by RIC BASTASA

there are so many people
who died
some friends, some relatives,
the threat of this pandemic
is always asking: next, next,
next is your mom, next is your dad
or next could be you

there is still a choice
not to be intimidated
not to be stressed
there is still a choice left
to ponder upon good memories
to bond still with families
to connect to go outside the house
and appreciate the blooming
magnolias in the garden

nature has not locked down
the sunset, the sea, the breeze,
the palm trees, the ripe mangoes
the guavas, the nipa hut in the
ricefields, the fish in the pond
the nest of eggs, the ducks on the river,
the walks in the woods,
the hands of those we love.