JoAnn Early Macken

 

Apr 22, 2020 1:14 PM EDT

More animals are entering the city, probably will see more bones.

- Linda Baie

Apr 22, 2020 1:32 PM EDT

True. And spring is uncovering those that have been hidden through the winter. This is a narrow strip of shrubbery between a park golf course and the Milwaukee River. We see lots of wildlife there but not usually so many bones in one day!

- JoAnn

Apr 10, 2020 10:21 AM EDT

OH my--there is too much truth in your poem. I cannot wrap my brain around the fact that our hospitals are begging for volunteers to sew masks for their staff. I hope we learn from this experience.

- Kay Jernigan McGriff

Apr 10, 2020 10:28 AM EDT

Yes--I'm torn between doing what I can to help & resenting the lack of action on the part of those who could do more.

- JoAnn

Apr 10, 2020 11:23 AM EDT

I've really enjoyed this series! Thanks, JoAnn.

- Tabatha

Apr 10, 2020 11:25 AM EDT

You're welcome! I've begun to think in haiku.

- JoAnn

Apr 10, 2020 11:34 AM EDT

What beautiful masks. I've made a few but your efforts is remarkable. The efforts of those with real power are lacking.

- Janice Scully

Apr 10, 2020 11:38 AM EDT

Yes, it's infuriating. We all do what we can. Thank you for your efforts!

- JoAnn

Apr 10, 2020 4:44 PM EDT

#truth (all of it)

- Mary Lee

Apr 10, 2020 6:02 PM EDT

Thanks, Mary Lee!

- JoAnn

Apr 10, 2020 8:07 PM EDT

Amen. Thank you for always being a giver. All health and love to you and yours. x

- Amy Ludwig VanDerwater

Apr 11, 2020 2:14 AM EDT

Well done for doing what you can to help - both with your sewing and your poetry.

- Sally Murphy

Apr 11, 2020 7:38 AM EDT

Your truth-telling haiku and mask making efforts are much appreciated on multiple levels. Be well. :)

- Bridget Magee

Apr 11, 2020 10:20 AM EDT

Thanks, everyone, for your kind words. I was lucky to spend several months of the winter where it was warm enough to walk outside every day. I came home to Wisconsin rejuvenated, and although it's still a scary time, I'm writing again after a very long drought. I found my way back through writing these daily haiku, so the practice has been very helpful to me. Best of luck to all as we navigate this new reality, xox

- JoAnn

Apr 11, 2020 7:24 PM EDT

"Too little, too late" is too right! It's infuriating. Thanks for trying to make a positive difference.

- Molly Hogan

Apr 14, 2020 4:15 PM EDT

Thanks for all your work - and your writing!

- Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com

Apr 03, 2020 5:24 AM EDT

Your poem message needs to be plastered in my neighborhood, too! But in German as I am in Switzerland and the Swiss people (and government) seem to think we are impervious despite the devastating numbers to the contrary. Loved all your other #SaferAtHomePoems as well. Be safe. : )

- Bridget Magee

Apr 03, 2020 9:14 AM EDT

Thank you, Bridget! While I am grateful for the chance to take in the fresh air and (sometimes) sunshine, I fear that uncontrolled gatherings will make us lose that opportunity. Be well!

- JoAnn

Apr 03, 2020 10:41 AM EDT

The Governor of VA just issued a statewide stay-at-home order this week. I just wish all 50 states would do the same! As some astute person on FB said, not having everyone comply is like having a designated spot in a swimming pool for people to pee.

- jama

Apr 03, 2020 10:45 AM EDT

Wow--so true! We all need to comply if we want to flatten the curve. Stay safe! xox

- JoAnn

Apr 03, 2020 11:30 AM EDT

Yes! It's mandatory now. Loneliness and worse, I fear, will be a problem for many, unfortunately.

- Janice Scully

Apr 03, 2020 11:43 AM EDT

Yes, it becomes ever more important to check in on friends, relatives, and neighbors. My sisters and I had a 7-person Skype visit this week that we plan to repeat weekly. We are lucky to have online options available!

- JoAnn

Apr 03, 2020 3:47 PM EDT

My granddaughters have play equipment in their backyard, but still are so sad that they cannot play in their favorite park. But when I see the news & someone shares that families are still going, it has me surprised and sad. Thanks for doing this, JoAnn! Keep safe!

- Linda Baie

Apr 03, 2020 3:54 PM EDT

Someday, your granddaughters will look back & remember this time. I hope they'll have fond memories of playing together in their safe backyard. Take good care! xox

- JoAnn

Apr 03, 2020 6:31 PM EDT

I only wish more people would heed this warning.

- Leigh Anne Eck

Apr 03, 2020 7:40 PM EDT

Yes, me, too! Soon, I hope!

- JoAnn

Apr 03, 2020 7:53 PM EDT

We are still able to go out for walks so long as we practice social distancing. It's not really a problem here in this small town I'm in. I rarely see anyone out there even during normal times.
I hope you and your loved ones stay safe in these challenging times.

- cheriee weichel

Apr 03, 2020 8:32 PM EDT

Yes, please stay at home! It's been 2 1/2 weeks since I've been out, but tomorrow I need to run to town for groceries. I am grateful for being out in the country where we can walk a mile and see no one else. It does help with preventing cabin fever. Stay safe and well

- Kay Jernigan McGriff

Apr 03, 2020 10:03 PM EDT

Best of luck with all out-of-doors activities--especially shopping! We are taking all possible precautions & still feeling apprehensive. Be safe, all! xox

- JoAnn

Apr 04, 2020 4:04 PM EDT

Yep. We have a similar sign at our local playground. It's sad to think how lonely those swings and slides must be, but I'm sure they will be patient.

- Michelle Heidenrich Barnes

Apr 04, 2020 5:42 PM EDT

I love your perspective! Yes, I imagine school buses & desks might feel the same way. xox

- JoAnn

Apr 04, 2020 6:15 PM EDT

Thanks for all you're doing to encourage people to stay home!

- Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com

Apr 04, 2020 7:18 PM EDT

You're welcome, Ruth! Gotta keep trying.

- JoAnn

Apr 05, 2020 1:38 AM EDT

Well said. I needed to chant this when I went to the supermarket yesterday. Food shopping is essential, but I was alarmed by how many people were not taking the distancing rules seriously. Happy catch-ups in the aisles, picking up items and putting them back, pushing past slower shoppers. .. I know everyone is doing their best, but I can't help worrying for them.

- Sally Murphy

Apr 05, 2020 11:42 AM EDT

I agree. We are doing as much shopping online as possible, but not everything is available, We're trying to be creative with what's on hand & planning ahead more than we usually do!

- JoAnn

Apr 05, 2020 6:22 PM EDT

I wish everyone would read your poem and follow its advice. Love your poem!

- Linda Trout

Apr 05, 2020 8:14 PM EDT

Thank you, Linda!

- JoAnn

Apr 06, 2020 6:02 AM EDT

I feel (and share) your urgency! This is not forever. We can do this.

- Kathryn Apel

Apr 06, 2020 5:54 PM EDT

This is perfect: serious, funny, stern, friendly. May I share?

- Heidi Mordhorst

Apr 06, 2020 6:48 PM EDT

Yes, of course, with my name.

- JoAnn

Apr 04, 2020 5:47 PM EDT

This is spot-on!

- Mary Lee

Apr 04, 2020 7:15 PM EDT

Thank you, Mary Lee! It came to me in a rush as I picked up the dropped pin.

- JoAnn

Apr 06, 2020 5:52 PM EDT

Hi, JoAnn--Enjoying this stream of #SaferAtHome poems and this photo especially: your pantry looks just like MY pantry!

- Heidi Mordhorst

Apr 06, 2020 6:46 PM EDT

Thanks, Heidi! Glad to know we have one more thing in common besides a love of poetry. Our pantry is a bit more bare now, but we're cooking!

- JoAnn