Life in the Time of Corona
Death in the Time of Corona
Juliet DeMarko
Juliet DeMarko has lived in Pensacola forty-two years. She is a past Poet Laureate of Northwest Florida and West Florida Literary Federation board member. Juliet has published two memoir cookbooks and books of poetry. Her childhood in the Blue Ridge Mountains and life on the Gulf Coast inspire her work. Her husband, Michael, died during the pandemic.
Michael died alone tonight.
I told the Hospice nurse it was his time.
She shook her head and sent me home
only to call me to come
right back.
Too late.
I thanked God for His mercy.
It was the last night the staff
would have dared to slip me in,
the last time I could
hold his hand,
kiss his cheek,
even though I was too late
and he had faced that ultimate darkness
Alone.
A young black nurse,
who had always shown me kindness,
took my hand,
gently pulled me near the darkened bed.
and began to pray:
“Our Father who art in heaven…” And then more softly,
“…Even though I walk through the Valley of the shadow of Death,
I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me…”
No beautiful flower and people-packed service
complete with eulogy and fond memories
at Christ Church downtown.
No military honors at Barrancas National Cemetery.
No flag-folding, no gun salute, no Taps,
nothing at all.
As it turned out.