Writing the Distance: Marylee Hayes

The Covid 19 pandemic is isolating Alaskan writers. We can no longer attend workshop or public readings. The coffee bars where we met with other writers are closed. To bridge these physical gaps, 49 Writers is providing this on-line forum for Alaskans writing the distance. Today, Marylee Hayes recognizes an overseer.

The Overseer

My face was scowling
under the hot mask and
fogged-up glasses
as I stumbled out of the Costco store
with a million things
in an over-loaded cart
that I was sure to be doomed
without.

My rubber-gloved hands
held tight to the jarring handle
as the cart wheels
bumped and burped in the lot,
over the ice pods
of April’s break-up.

While cars stalled and tooted,
other carts crashed and clanged;
I faced the annoying distance
with less than lame resolve.

As I placed the rattled things
into my waiting car,
I chanced to look upward
to the highest snow berm
surrounding the frenzy.
There–overlooking it all–
was the Overseer,
the one taking all things
in stride.

After I saw this moose,
the fog lifted;
sunshine returned to my face,
and I left my irritations behind
with the cart.

MaryLee Hayes is a freelance writer of prose and poetry who enjoys her country cabin outside Eagle River.

Maria Talasz, who took the moose picture,  operates as an independent artist from the www.Equilux.com studio in Eagle River.