2024 NATIONAL MEDAL
for Museum and Library Service Finalist

Quarantine villanelle

Author: 
Julianna Walsh

At home, waiting for the disease to die
I dread having to cover up my face
Millions of voices join in my sigh

Days, weeks, and now months are all drifting by
They’re all the same if I stay in one place
At home, waiting for the disease to die

Rainbows on windows, but none in the sky
No promises there, just empty blue space
Millions of voices join in my sigh

Online, I watch a ballet dancer try
To uplift others with her strength and grace
At home, waiting for the disease to die

Idle, but I take hours to reply
Even though they say we have to touch base
Millions of voices join in my sigh

One day, I will bid this long spring goodbye
But for now, I slump against my bookcase
At home, waiting for the disease to die
Millions of voices join in my sigh