An open letter to my coworkers:

The past nine months have felt like the past nine years.

When I returned home unexpectedly from college
you welcomed me with open arms, calming my fears.

Neither one of us sure how long this stay would last
But still ever hopeful that this moment would pass.

And as the months went by and the restrictions mounted
I lost track of the opportunities gone being counted.

Work was the only thing keeping me sane
But my intention with this poem is not to be vain.

This poem is meant to praise you
And to celebrate those who are the unsung heroes

In the beginning, you were patted on the back
Thanked for being on the front lines of the attack.

How quickly this was forgotten
As the pandemic was turned into a political thought.

Now things worsen and jabs are hurled left and right
And still you show up each day willing to fight the good fight

You remain positive in the face of uncertainty
Clinging to hope that we can return to normalcy.

Remember this:
You are seen and you are appreciated.
For each complaint, there is more kindness to be awaited.

Thank you.