In Times Like These

Outside is beautiful, for it is spring, and yet I know in many places there is suffering. More men are spending more time with their wives. For some this might be good; for others it’s affecting lives. Domestic violence is on the rise. What happens to the drunk who loses work? Already he’s a jerk! What happens to the business that is small and forced to close its doors? How many will survive at all? What happens to survivors of the one who – knowing he’ll be facing bankruptcy - then takes out his gun? What kind of funerals can people have? For those who have no system of support, what will be their salve? These thoughts run through my mind from time to time. Meanwhile, more fortunate than they, I sit working at my rhyme. My civic duty - simply stay inside! On shopping day, I don my gloves and mask - swallow my pride! I’m fortunate to work from home, and I am keeping busy, so as usual I watch time fly! I give food donations; that's not saying much, considering the many souls that work on front lines and such. I spend time with my spouse, for whom I fret. He drives a semi, but I’m glad he’s not got the virus yet. I like to hear about folks doing good - especially all those finding ways to help their own neighborhood. I’m doing all the things I used to do except for exercising in the gym. My woes are few. Lies are being told, so conspiracies could well be true! But what can anyone do in times like these? May 6, 2020