The bookmark was a Post-it, which noted the showtimes of “Parasite” at the Mystic Luxury Cinemas on 2/20/20.

I must have stuck it into this slim volume of poetry that I hadn’t picked up in nearly a year since the pandemic spread and the theaters shut down.

I found the note this morning when I grabbed the little book to help pass the interminable time in reception prior to being examined by the eye doctor.

I remembered that cunning movie and the pepperoni pizza and house salad that Michele and I shared over beers at a nearby restaurant after the show.

Eleven months have passed, and an evening of such unspectacular amusement seems too much to hope for in this vast waiting room that is our anxious world.

Charlie Ewers of Gales Ferry was a teacher for 36 years, the last 33 as a member of the English department at Ledyard High School. He continues to write poetry, fiction, and song, which grew from his work in the classroom.

Poetry in a Pandemic local offers readers a chance to share their poetry written during or related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. To contribute, email times@theday.com.