It’s hard to social distance
In an elevator car
For just one other person
Ups the ante way too far.
So when another occupant
Steps in, there is no doubt
That I will just excuse myself
By quickly stepping out.
The regulars respect this,
Riding solo with a mask
And waiting for an empty car
To not be called to task.
But strangers or impatient folk
Or those who doubt the facts
Just waltz right in no matter how
Their rider-mate reacts.
At times like those, which I believe
Will happen more and more,
I wish, instead of 9, I lived
On the 1st or 2nd floor.
Walking down the street along that old construction site
Several children were playing slightly far off to the the right
Playing around just below that old rickety elevator car and frame
They kept running in and out while they were playing their little game
But as the winds blew and that old rusty frame began to shake
I immediately and instinctively knew that this decision I must make
So I jumped over the fence and started running towards their way
My fear becoming so immense in seeing how that shaft would sway
And just as I got near they all looked over and towards me
As for them it was not clear all those dangers they just couldn't see
And as I called out and warned them of such dangers to be
They looked backed with utter doubt so seemingly not to agree
Just as you would not walk away there nor could I walk away here
For there are many people who don't care though the message is so clear
But you wouldn't just walk away for your heart would not allow it
And so you stay, persevering, but you would never quit
A perky woman stepped inside
The elevator car.
I’d never seen her, so her words
To me were quite bizarre.
She turned her back to me and asked
(Formalities she’d skipped)
If I would help her out because
Her dress was not quite zipped.
Of course, I hastened to comply –
I guess she couldn’t reach –
But in the rules of etiquette,
I think this was a breach.
For asking someone’s help to dress
Seems much more apropos
If assistance comes from somebody
You actually know!