Eclipsed

For days, then weeks, we’ve been obsessed, Our thoughts pandemic-driven And focusing on something else Might not be quite forgiven. Until a senseless crime occurred, Resulting in a death And suddenly, the quarantined Breathed one communal breath. The empty streets were filled again With those whose coexistence Did not allow for worry About six-feet social distance. Released, with pent-up energy, From sheltering-in-place, The crowds who marched in protest Had a purpose to embrace. The virus was eclipsed because Our fears, so fraught and stark, Bubbled over when confronted With a unifying spark.