Author Archives: Kelly Severseike

Allergic to the Heat

Remember when I raved about going on walks every day? I laugh when I read those poems back now. Walking in spring is a delight, the weather is still slightly cool at all hours of the day. Walking in summer is hell, the heat feels like walking in an oven. There’s a small window inContinue reading “Allergic to the Heat”

Hello

This is your weekly reminder to wear a mask. It’s the least you can do when venturing outside your house. You are protecting those around you when you do so. It’s become common courtesy to wear one. Wash your hands, cover your mouth When cough or sneeze, and please Stay at least six feet apartContinue reading “Hello”

Howls Quietly in the Distance

Summer rolls in, we’re still dealing with the problems we’ve been facing for most of the year. A virus appearing uncontrollable can be lessened if people wear a mask. You may not want to wear something over your mouth and nose. No one’s doing it for their own enjoyment. It’s not like this is normalContinue reading “Howls Quietly in the Distance”

Coldplay at Dusk

I watch the sky turn from light yellow to cotton-candy pink within a matter of minutes The evening air is neither hot nor cold I’m comfortable in a sweater It slides down my left shoulder I don’t bother to fix it I listen to Coldplay’s Yellow, Orphans, & Fix You I watch the light fadeContinue reading “Coldplay at Dusk”

By The Lake

I’m surrounded by people for the first time in months. This feels normal and strange all at once. I don’t think about the virus for long. Later I will reflect on why. Social distancing is in place to protect us. We follow the unspoken rules as best we can. I float on the water andContinue reading “By The Lake”

Listening

Dear Readers, I’ve been doing a lot of listening lately. Listening to those who are demanding change at protests and providing links online. I’ve been reading books, articles, and essays from black writers about what’s happening right now. I’m learning more about our history as a nation than I was taught in high school. IContinue reading “Listening”

Looking Away

You know what makes me happy? Choosing not to drown myself in current events. At the beginning of all this, I was obsessed with Knowing all the latest information. I also had more physical anxiety than I had experienced in several years. My mental health is better when I look away. Nowadays, I see andContinue reading “Looking Away”

Another Lap Around the Sun

For my mom. Congratulations on another lap around the sun. This isn’t the ideal time to have a birthday, But here we are, so let’s make the best of it. Your age is just a number, Another number you gain for being alive. Everyone who knows you is lucky, For they know your kind heart,Continue reading “Another Lap Around the Sun”

I’m Alright

These last few weeks have been weird. That’s the best way I can put it, they’ve been weird. We’re living in weird times. And who knows when that will change. As things begin to open up and people are crowding into places because they want to have brunch, I can’t help but wonder if thisContinue reading “I’m Alright”