Before this whirlwind of events, we were normal. 

But what even is “normal”?

Well we had unmasked freedom. 

I could stand close to strangers without worrying about getting a virus

I could hug my friends without any second thoughts

I could dance the night away in concerts

Hands raised on rollercoasters

Hearts full of hope for adventure 

But now. But now. 

It’s not “how are you?” before giving a hug

It’s  “are you vaccinated?” before getting too close.

Instead of going to movie theaters, I try to stay at home 

I bring around an extra mask and hand sanitizer 

These little sacrifices are a necessity to help out

But it hurts inside. 

Instead of adventure, we yearn for a sense of normalcy.