Roller-coaster Roger

It makes me nervous

when a friend catches covid

I worry for us

self-isolating, hating

the uncertain loneliness.

I’m so excited

when a woman I don’t know

emails compliments

while reflecting on my verse:

we connect between the lines

It makes me furious

whenever there’s needless death -

the politicians

tut-tut something must be done

but don’t seek consensus how.

What delight it is

when I invite friends to dine

but miscalculate

the quantities – disaster.

Then two must cancel. We feast!

it’s so frustrating

when you’re set a new challenge

to write a poem -

and your mind’s devoid of spark,

seedless ground that won’t be tilled.