it started with rejection
a depressed widow kicked out
after testing positive
her family went with her

then
one building away
a man tested positive
he wasn't kicked out
because his wife
was popular here

suddenly
nine floors down
a friend who wasn't really a friend
a nice girl who wasn't all that nice
got it
secretly
i was relieved
no more using elevators for me
thanks very much

and then
three floors up
someone tested positive

and then
my grandfather was at risk
because his friend's wife
got the virus

and now
what seemed so distant a possibility
is staring me right in the face
much too close for comfort