Flowers Amid the Masks

 

Can you see the flowers? I can.

I see families walking together.

I see families ‘Zooming’ across time zones.

I see flowers blooming from days of gentle rain.

Photo by Detroit Flanagan, Jr.

Can you see the flowers? I can.

I see volunteers passing out food.

I see teachers encouraging their students.

I see first responders showing up to work every day.

Photo by Detroit Flanagan, Jr.

Can  you see the flowers? I can.

I see reporters bringing us the good and bad news.

I see small business owners trying their best to stay open.

I see online learning attempts everywhere.

Photo by Detroit Flanagan, Jr.

Can you see the flowers? I can.

I see medical masks.

I see ‘do it yourself’ masks.

I see ‘I have some if you need them’ masks.

Photo by Detroit Flanagan, Jr.

Can you see the flowers? I can.

Did you see the storm that killed several people?

Did you hear how many died in the last 24 hours?

Did  you hear how many lost their jobs?

Photo by Detroit Flanagan, Jr.

Can you see the flowers? I can.

The masks hide our hurt, smiles and fear. 

The masks protect those with underlying conditions. 

The mask isn’t about me, but about us. 

Taylor family votes together: Eric, Beverley, Aaron and Cherice

Can you see the flowers? I can.

By Cherice Taylor, 2020

Eric and Cherice Taylor

More by Cherice: read her poem, Wow 2020, and her interview of Lisa Niver at Time Matters

Cherice Flanagan Taylor

Cherice Taylor, M.A. Education Administration, is the creator and host of Time Matters! on Facebook. She is a relationship builder, poet and a former educator with over 10 years experience at the preschool through high school levels. As the former community engagement manager for a local school division, she was recognized by the Rappahannock United Way organization as the Employee Campaign Coordinator of the Year (2018), She is a local rotarian with the Rotary Club of Stafford and was recognized for her leadership as the Volunteer Chair in collaboration with local business and community organizations to support Stafford County Public Schools Middle School teachers by donating over 700 care packages.Cherice also created and led the K-12 and Beyond Parent Resource Fair to provide resources to parents and families as they help launch their students to life after high school. A former Mary Kay Sales Director for 6 years and a consultant for 30 years, provided the opportunity to help people, women in particular. Cherice earned her Bachelor's degree from UCLA and her Masters in Education Administration from California State University- Dominguez HIlls. She is married to Eric Taylor, a retired Naval Officer, and a mother of four sons. Her eldest son recently graduated from the University of Virginia. She has twins in their senior year of high school that are going through the college application process, and her youngest son is a sophomore in high school. A positive attitude and the belief that sharing pearls of wisdom along with the Golden Rule allows for everyone to improve and reach their personal goals. The belief that if we all do better, then we all do better is why Cherice shares the knowledge she’s acquired and learned over the years and the many pearls of wisdom guests share with her for her Time Matters! Platform. To be a Time Matters! Guest, please find the Facebook page @Howyouspendyourtimematters or contact Cherice at howyouspendyourtimematters@gmail.com.

2 responses to “Flowers Amid the Masks

  1. The masks do hide our hurt, smiles and fears. I am beginning to observe , however, those eyes directly above the masks have become so expressive. Beautiful poem. Thank you for sharing.

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