the rumors
like trash on
the beach. I don’t know
what to believe.

It’s spreading
the Louisiana mosquitoes
from the swamps
on the livestock. I don’t know
when the rain will stop.

It’s spreading
the virus
in my son’s college
campus. I don’t know
who will be next.

It’s spreading
the hate
in this polarized
country. I don’t know
who will be standing
when the bell tolls.