Virtual Virtue

Virtual silence commands that with masks our voices be silenced to whispers. And the body language of touch denounced to elbow knocks. All sensation denied but codified greeting. Show me love with no embrace or kiss, nor touch. Virtual silence in hospitals as loved ones die with no comfort from family or friends, all human virtues robbed. To robotic machines has man condemned himself. His end not marked by any funeral. No vigil either as by undertakers we are whisked away to an unknown final resting place. Monitored by cameras we view departures as near to us as virtual monitors can allow. With virtually no farewell touch of dust which in pain we cast all to the grave, a vain hope which afforded us closure. Will this virtual funeral give us rest where our beloved die and virtual shadows replace people?