Who is that woman sitting alone on the beach?
She looks so sad and distant and even out of reach.
Why is she sitting there all alone?
She won’t look up, she just keeps looking at her phone.
The waves are crashing methodically in the background,
Yet she doesn’t move or make a sound.
Is she okay?
It’s a beautiful day.
Do I approach her? She looks so sad.
What could have happened that was so bad?
I am that woman sitting alone on the beach.
I am in such despair and, yes, even out of reach.
My heart is shattered.
My mind is scattered.
I am filled with sadness and grief.
I lost both parents to Covid and I’m still in disbelief.
I’m looking at their pictures on my phone,
Talking to them, wishing I wasn’t alone,
Telling them I miss them every second of every day,
And asking if I’ll ever be okay.

by Belinda Trevino, in memory of her wonderful parents:
Mike Rivera
8/30/41 – 1/7/21
Mary Rivera
12/24/41 – 12/12/20