A Poet’s Survival

Now the intensity of summer heat
has come to a temporary halt,
I indulge in the rush of cooler air,
thankful I no longer have to work,
stuck in an airless box.

Education of other people’s children
is now no concern of mine, an elderly poet.

I imagine a time when I dug deep
into my heart, sick with stress and digital
overkill, ready to drop.

Could poetry provide me with soul food
to keep me occupied, satisfied, content?

Here I am, still alive – and happy.

 Kim M. Russell, 29^th June 2026

It’s been a long time since I participated in a MLMM Monday Wordle, which used to be a regular thing for me. Tricky choice of words, but doable!