To my son, David
Who is holding down
the home front,
While I go a-vaccinating!
Since May fifteenth,
I have been vaccinating
In downtown Calgary
TELUS Convention Centre
On Stephen Avenue
A huge facility.
I volunteered
Learned the six modules
Declared no criminal offence
Yes, had liability insurance
No would not renege
Committed to train and to vaccinate.
I knew downtown parking
Would be a nightmare
But at City Hall
for us it was free
Then an easy walk to the TELUS facility,
Where a long snake of people greeted me.
Security was tight
Every five meters
Folks in vests, neon bright
Guided me to where I should be.
My spot was 5E
Where a tiny vial of Pfizer
in a cold gel pack, awaited me.
Lot number, Batch number
Draw point three gingerly
No tapping, no shaking,
Complete all forms carefully
Remember to sanitize hands
In between and frequently.
My people are nervous, excited
Trepidation
Mixed with anticipation.
“We have waited so long for this
Yes ! Yes! You have my consent
But, I’m scared of needles – hope I don’t faint“
Teenagers;
“May I take a selfie
to send to my friends and family?”
Two migrant workers
From Quintana Roo to DeWinton
No habla Anglais
“Doctora, doctora , can we have cerveza after?”
It’s eight pm
Lights have dimmed
I’m getting cross-eyed
Time to quit
Remove mask and shield
Sanitize desk.
Security guard says
“Thank you for doing all that you do “
It’s a balmy evening out
Sun is still up
Homeless addicts
from their drug stupor are up and about.
One sits in a sunny spot
Smiles at me
Invitingly
Holds up a bag of buns
I think,
Only the poor, still know how to share
I am touched.
Woman, in tight jeans, still high
rides a bicycle
in Rhine-stone heels
While nearby
A man with deformed hands
Swollen legs, in his chair
Wheels by.
The sun is still high
It’s one of those spring evenings in Calgary
When a breeze blows, Warm and balmy
Invoking in me
a certain longing
to be
In Hawaii
Then, I remind myself
I am with my people
I am
Where I ought to be.