invisible
yet possibly deadly
it empties streets
makes us quarantine
cities  regions  nations
hits us unprepared
reminds us that pandemics
can also happen in our time

a few days ago I walked downtown
a strange quietness filled the air
made me react to noises and sounds
I had not even noticed
when streets were full with people and cars

     even the wail of distant ambulance sirens
     sounded louder and more ominous

I only saw occasional joggers
a few women airing their pet dogs
more bicycled food deliveries than usual

they hardly acknowledged my existence
glances did not meet
my friendly nods were rarely returned

we have all become solitary strangers
keeping their safe distance

True, we did not choose
The sun or even the moon
But both have their use.

the streets are quiet
the world is still
i finally notice
the birds chirping
on my windowsill

tell me how
the most broken
beaten down
torn up
stripped to the flesh
people

could ever get back up
brush off the dirt
and carry on
like nothing ever
happened.

I went to the kitchen
hot milk and yeast
to calm me

I climbed up
out of the pit
to get here

giving up
confused
giving up what I know

looking for the ****
of consolation
and safe harbor

I came here
to make sense
of the confusion

my tears coming
from a place new
strange uncharted

Twain is here
maybe Plath
not my Path

searching for
the Sage in me
Is she here?

you tell me

Day is almost done and twilight upon us.
The cosmic bartender calls
“last call for the light of day”
  back aches from gardening
and no walking or swimming
you have to love the pain
from doing what you love.