Here I am
staring at pixelated people
and I want so desperately to see them
face to face.
My eyes ache from blue light.
Why are we even trying?

Ugh.

We are alone.
Isolated like islands
in a sea of disease
and fear.

But.

I called an elderly lady today
just to check in
since I can't see her
or listen to her talk
about doilies and dinners and memories

And.

I understood then --
alone does not mean apart
and distancing does not mean forgetting.
Yet I forgot.

So.

I'm not giving up
on the light of the summer
to chase away the winter blues
and diseases.

No matter what keeps us apart,
we are here
a safety net of helping hands and words
we are unity.