Rafal  Borynski, the author of today’s poem, is a teacher, artist, and metaphor developer based in Queens, New York. He introduces his work for us today.

Haikus are traditionally meant to be self-standing pieces of poetry that express a single thought, not parts within a larger poem, as is the case here. However, this pandemic has significantly blurred the notion of breaks between phases. Everyday, news stories go something along the lines of “We were in Phase 3, but we’re moving back to Phase 2B, except for this and this, which we’re expediting to Phase 4(assuming this and this continue to be this). In other news, this other state is already in Phase 5, but Phase 5 is different for them.” Just as the phases to curtail this pandemic have leaked into one another, so do the haikus about the vaccine(s) to curtail this pandemic. 

Haikus Between Vaccines

in Staten Island
the only appointment was
ferries in cold, nope!

the ferry was cold
the uber back, expensive
“it’s worth it,” I hoped

“left shoulder hurts” was
my one short-term side effect.
long-term, who does know?

that was the first dose
my second is coming up
“it’s worth it,” I hope

“the government lies”
they say, “how can you trust it”
I can’t dispute this

It misleads often,
yet is truthful other times
hope it is on this

“Have you had Covid”
the nurse giving the first asked
“it’s fine if you have”

I looked back at him
and gave an honest answer
“not that I know of “

“a large elephant,
sitting on your chest for days”
survivors have said

some hesitation
fades as I think of such pain
waiting for Dose 2

©Rafal Borynski – 2021

*****

For the first 100 days of the Biden administration, this website will feature a new poem of What’s Next!? These pieces can be calls to action, calls to attention, or calls to anger. They will light the way and guide the fight. They will get us moving and keep our momentum. They will be filled with hope, with anger, with sorrow. They will get us into good trouble and point out the trouble we need to stop. They will be polished gems, or rough-cut drafts of rage, or in-process pieces searching for peace. They may be haiku or tanka, limericks or lyrics, verses free or fettered.

#100Days100Poems of What’s Next!? wants your poems, your prose, your visual art (photos, drawings, sculptures), your music, your short films and animations. Interpret the theme as broadly as you’d like.

If you would like to submit to this endeavor, please send an email, with your visual art (as .jpg or .pdf) or your poem saved as a word document (.docx) to waxyandpoetic AT gmail DOT com. Include a short bio (2-3 sentences) and social media/website information. All rights remain with the author. Please address any formatting preferences in your email. Waxyandpoetic.com will post submissions time permitting, with at least one per day beginning 20 January 2021.

Read, follow, share, submit, live, love, spread light! Don’t forget to use #100Days100Poems !