The coronavirus vaccine controversies are impacting my efforts to write.

A couple of months ago, my anxiety increased as I watched COVID-19 vaccination rates fall. Apparently, many folks do not understand basic infection and resistance concepts. We need quick vaccination coverage across our country (actually the entire world). Extensive vaccination slows down the opportunity for the virus to mutate and become more robust.

The consequences of allowing the virus to spread un-checked are heart-breaking. By not slowing down viral spread, more family, friends and neighbors die or potentially suffer permanent viral damage. Over time, world-wide economies will be more adversely affected. The freedoms folks are espousing will not mean much if access to shelter, food, water, medication and other basic necessities becomes difficult.

As infection numbers tick up, my emotions churn. I am losing recently acquired pandemic freedoms. I need to return to pre-vaccine practices to try and reduce my risk of infection. I am not happy.

Frustration, outrage, and despair prompt me to avoid writing. I do not want to wallow in strong negative emotions or capture them on the page. I want to share pandemic experiences and perspectives through a constructive voice. I want to provide relief from life's challenges through words that send thoughts and feelings to a tranquil path. I have to accept people need to experience viral 'burn and learn' repeatedly before they quit playing with viral fire.

As I accept the viral siege to come and return to a restricted life style, I find I can let the negative emotions slip away for a while. That's when the words I want to write begin to spurt and flow. Often, the flow does not last long, but words are returning. When positive words flow, I feel gratitude.

I captured my emotional writing struggle in the following poem I titled 'Endeavor.'

What more can I do

To end the world's blues?

What more can I write

To help clear our sight?

Examples are best

We learn from life's test

Escape from home's nest

Resume a peace quest

Help me find key words

Ideas are transferred

And minds ruminate

To end a checkmate

Help me to light spark

That leads us from dark

Help me find a way

To let our love sway

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