We are living in scary times, not able to go out to eat, go to the beauty shop or shopping, but soon it will pass and perhaps will love more

It was nighttime and the darkness was engulfing my inner sole

I listened carefully as the twigs in my front yard break alerting a possible foe

I waited quietly, unable to move from my easy chair

Hot perspiration erupting on my forehead, room ejecting hot air

Then from out of nowhere she calls my name, " neighbor are you here? "

My answer was nothing more than a whisper, " Yes I'm here, who goes there? "

" Why it's your neighbor Rosie, I came to see if you need anything

I thought I'd come in person instead of a phone ring

Times are scary with this C virus on the rise

Neighbors love each other and love to bring hope, plus we love to vocalize

And how about this homemade hot apple pie?

Don't worry, I'm wearing a mask and gloves, we'll stay at least six feet away from each other

We're both lonely for family whose far away. I miss my mother, sister and brother "

I found my voice and told her, " Please come on in

I miss my family too and in dire need of a good neighbor friend. "

Comments

bhattuc on August 09, 2020:

Well composed. You have expressed it so nicely.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 16, 2020:

Hello Mar, it's always a treat to see you, friends are so very important. My neighbor is kind and sweet. I was surprised when she came over. She didn't bring a pie, it seemed to fit in the rhyming theme. Thanks for being a close friend, unseen for ten years. Is Mike ok?

Maria Jordan from Jeffersonville PA on April 15, 2020:

Dear Ruby,

A slice of pie and some good conversation sounds wonderful - thanks for allowing us to share in this special moment.

Love,

Maria

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 08, 2020:

Lora, I couldn't agree more. Loneliness can make one ill, esp. at this time when the world is in turmoil. We need to stay close, even if we can't visit. Thank you for reading and commenting.

Lora Hollings on April 07, 2020:

And loneliness is the cause of so many deaths not just the coronavirus! Your wonderful poem highlights the need for people to show love and concern for others who have no one and need emotional support. We can all experience loneliness at one time or another and when someone finally reaches out to us what a difference it can make! A soulful reminder, Ruby, of the need to reach out and help alleviate the anguish of loneliness.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 07, 2020:

Nithya, you are so right, it's scary out there. Thanks for visiting my page.

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on April 07, 2020:

A lovely poem and it is so nice to have company when we are lonely. At night even a small sound gets amplified and scary.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 07, 2020:

I agree Nell. We need friends, family and neighbors more than ever before. Thank you for gracing my page.

Nell Rose from England on April 07, 2020:

A lovely poem and so very topical at the moment. It is a horrible time, but with the help of friends and neighbors we will endure.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 06, 2020:

Mitara, you say the nicest things. I feel honored to know you. I will look for your hub to read what you said about me. Thanks. Take care. Stay safe.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 06, 2020:

Hello William. I agree my friend. We need to be close in bad times and good times, maybe we'll learn from this awful time. I went to Walmart yesterday and had on gloves and a mask, another woman who was wearing a mask stayed back away from me and told me that I had my mask on wrong, I took it off and saw that I had the wire at the bottom, I was wondering why I couldn't pinch it around my nose? LOL So glad you came.

Mitara N from South Africa on April 06, 2020:

Ruby, I can honestly say you attract as well as bring such excellent vibes, everyone would like to be around you.

I can't stay away, I am always looking forward to hearing from you.

By the way, I added something dedicated to you on my, Not crazy, Just creatively insane piece just for you.

Always appreciate you my good friend Ruby.

Take care and be safe.

William Kovacic from Pleasant Gap, PA on April 05, 2020:

Beautiful, timely, and well-said, Ruby. It's those little unexpected bright spots that turn something bad into a blessing. Thanks for the post, my friend!

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 05, 2020:

Hello Eric, That old cliché, " We never miss the water till the well runs dry. " seems to fit nicely here. Good neighbors are cherished.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 05, 2020:

Genna, I miss my family so very much and when my neighbor came to visit I was so happy. We were never real close, maybe talked across the fence. She works and is busy. It sounds like a good idea to get with friends and visit from the cars. I enjoy wine in the evening. It helps relieve the stress associated with this virus threat, Take good care of Genna, stay well and happy.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 05, 2020:

Thanks again Ann. I am thrilled that you enjoy my hubs. Thanks for telling me. Stay safe.

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on April 05, 2020:

Amen to this.

Genna East from Massachusetts, USA on April 05, 2020:

We are prisoners in our homes, my friend. Even though we know that distancing is needed, it is still hard. We all miss our family and friends. Thank goodness for wonderful neighbors. (I can't watch our accidental president on TV and his daily briefings without getting PO'd. Talk about being slow and inept on the uptake. Sheesh!) Loved your poem, dear Ruby. A few friends and I are going to drive to the beach in separate cars, and visit, from our cars. We're even bringing wine. It may sound silly, but Facetime wears a little thin after awhile. (My family are miles away in Colorado and San Francisco.) Stay safe. Hugs.

Ann Carr from SW England on April 04, 2020:

I think that friends made in such situations tend to stay close, as they have a common bond. I always enjoy your hubs.

Ann

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 04, 2020:

Ann, I am so glad you have good neighbors. It takes a crisis to bring us all closer. When this is all over I hope we will stay close. Thank you for visiting my page.

Ann Carr from SW England on April 04, 2020:

A heart-warming story, Ruby. It's so good to have neighbours who care.

We are in self-isolation until mid-June. The son of neighbours across the road works at a wholesaler's who had food going out of date. He brought home all sorts for his parents and also some eggs and milk for us - how kind was that? We were touched.

We are lucky to have lots of lovely neighbours and value them highly as previous ones were hostile in the extreme. We count our blessings!

Ann

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 03, 2020:

Hello Vidya, I agree, we need good neighbors now more than anytime in the past. I am thankful. Thank you so much.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 03, 2020:

Hello Brenda. The story is partly true, it was in the daytime and she didn't bring a pie. ( darn it ) lol I agree about the way it used to be. I remember sitting on the front porch and neighbors gathering to visit. I blame TVs and smartphones. Thank you for visiting my page.

VIDYA D SAGAR on April 03, 2020:

This is the time we need to connect with and be there for each other. A very sweet gesture by your neighbor in these troubled times. Nice write up Ruby. It gives us hope. Take care, stay safe and healthy.

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on April 02, 2020:

Ruby,

This reminded me of how neighbors used to be.

How I wish those times were still upon us, but most people stick to themselves nowadays.

Sounds like you are fortunate.

Enjoy the pie.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 02, 2020:

Hi Devika, I am blessed to have good neighbors, Thank you for stopping by.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 02, 2020:

Neighbors come to the rescue when you least expect it and neighbors who are always as helpful are rare to find these days. Glad you have such help in this time of life.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 02, 2020:

I agree Hari. We're all in this together which brings us closer. Hopefully it will continue after we get back to normal. Thanks so much.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 02, 2020:

Hello Rinita. Before this crisis we just waved, we might have talked across the fence, but never visited. This happened, not the pie. It seems we need each other, and that's good. Thank you for coming by my page.

Hari Prasad S from Bangalore on April 02, 2020:

The fear of this virus is going to be there for a long time in our lives. The good part is we all have this fear in common which makes us be sensitive towards neighbours. Nice poem.

Rinita Sen on April 02, 2020:

If this is true, you are blessed with a good neighborhood and I'm happy for you. In these times, hardly anyone visits in person, even without the virus. Well written, especially the first few lines creating the suspense. Stay well.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 01, 2020:

Oh, Manatita I love that song. We will get through this! Stay in, don't take chances. Thanks again.

manatita44 from london on April 01, 2020:

Yesterday ... yesterday, O yesterday! A cool song. All my troubles seemed so far away. Ha ha. Good night. 00: 26 hrs here. Peace.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 01, 2020:

I agree Manatita. I'd be afraid it was contaminated. Oh how I wish for yesterday! Stay safe my poet friend.

manatita44 from london on April 01, 2020:

Chuckle. You'd be brave to take it anyway. Times are strange!

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 01, 2020:

Hi Manatita, yes it's true, all except the pie. Thank you.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 01, 2020:

Thank you Clive. Stay safe.

manatita44 from london on April 01, 2020:

Ruby,

This may be a story or it may be true but it is absolutely touching! This is the kind of Spirituality I write about. It is not in books, although they can and do inspire it. The Heart ... the Heart. The psychic or spiritual Heart is everything!

I trust that you are indeed well. Stay safe.

Clive Williams from Jamaica on April 01, 2020:

haaa....these are times when we all need a good neighbor. Cheers and enjoy the apple pie.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 01, 2020:

Hello Kyler. I'm thrilled that this piece put a smile on your face. I am ok just tired of staying in. Stay safe and thank you.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 01, 2020:

Hi again Peggy, yes it's wonderful when neighbors help each other. Thank you.

Kyler J Falk from California on April 01, 2020:

If this story were told from my perspective, I'd be pulling the trusty .38 from the magazine holder on the side of my easy chair! Yell out something like, "Who is out in my yard giving me a scare? I'll put three in your chest, so test me if you dare!" but then again that's just old training being presented as satire, hahaha!

A lovely poem, Ruby, it put a smile on my face. Hope you're staying safe.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 01, 2020:

Hi Shauna. I don't think I would make it alone. I'm glad you have your son living with you too. Thanks for the visit.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 01, 2020:

Pamela, I meant to put your name in when I put Peggy's name in. It was all true but the pie. lol Thanks

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 01, 2020:

Hello Shannon. I love that quote too. I guess we never really know how precious friends are until we have a crisis like this. Thanks for coming by.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on April 01, 2020:

Hi Ruby,

A crisis of any kind seems to bring out the good in people. That is great that you can count on your neighbors.

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on April 01, 2020:

This is a beautiful poetic story, Ruby. I'm glad my son still lives with me. I think I'd go bonkers if I didn't have another human in the house during this crisis.

Shannon Henry from Texas on April 01, 2020:

Aw, that's quite a sweet story. Friends are precious, even the ones that we barely know. I love the sentiments behind the quote with the penguins.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 01, 2020:

Hello Bill. I really don't know how I would make it alone, having loved one's is a blessing in these terrible times. Thank you. Stay safe.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 01, 2020:

Hi Peggy. It's all true except the pie. It's amazing how much this C virus has changed our attitude's. Thank you for coming to read this piece.

Ruby Jean Richert (author) from Southern Illinois on April 01, 2020:

Thank you Peggy. I live in a neighborhood where everyone works, and we usually just wave, but this crisis has changed us all. I wrote this because my neighbor came over yesterday and offered help in any way. She didn't bake a pie. lol

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on April 01, 2020:

I am so grateful that I have Bev during these times. I'm a loner by nature, but even I need companionship and conversation.

Blessings to you my friend. Stay safe!

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on April 01, 2020:

I have heard so many stories of neighbors helping neighbors. We have a uh family across the street. They have even made a meal and brought it over. Your poem reminds of that. I hope your poem is true and you have an apple pie.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on April 01, 2020:

If your poetic story is correct, you have a sweet neighbor. We have similar ones where we live. We have also been exchanging some food items with one of our neighbors, keeping our distance, of course. It is times like this that we all need to stay in touch in one manner or another. Wishing you health and safety during this coronavirus crisis.