There were initially whispers of warning
Something is coming, sickness will spread
That were largely quieted by selfish ambition
Self-preservation over people
Stocks over saving lives
Drowning out concern with cries of “hoax!”
Denying experts the right and necessity to speak
And hiding the truth from all who needed to hear it
Not a big deal
It will go away
But it hasn’t, and now hear we are
Hunkered down to ease the rise and chaos
Daily life, collectively, has come to a screeching halt
Like misbehaved children, we are forced to think about
What we should have done
In terms of heeding the cries of science
Weaponizing faith and privilege instead
Of being mindful and prepared
For extroverts, a new territory
How long has it been since I last stayed home this long?
No social gatherings, church, or bopping around the city
Like living in an alternate universe
How the actual hell did we get here?
But I welcome the resting, reading, and reconnection
And from this I’ve seen
That connection is essential
To the human experience
Conversation, vulnerability
And physical touch
The latter which I crave
And miss the most
But where do we go from here
When a lack of leadership and transparency
Have brought us collectively
To such a dark place in history
A legacy stained by lies, corruption, and sickness
Those on the right side of history trust facts and science
More than blubbering buffoons
I pray for healing, restoration, and protection
Accountability for politicians that looked the other way
That we may learn from this devastating season
Taking a damn good look at ourselves
What many have enabled
There might be dollars and so-called power in big business
But solidarity in the small and local
Heroism belongs to the every-day workers who cannot stay home
God go with all of those on the front lines of this crisis
Let us support them, honor them, and lend them our hands
For there is speaking truth to power
And power in speaking the truth
I anticipate the day
When I can wrap my arms around the people I love
Dance in public
And worship in community
A celebration unlike one I’ve ever felt or seen
Until then I pray for peace and ease
Waiting and expecting
Let it be so
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