On high alert when in proximity to other people
Trying to avoid breathing in their exhaled air
Trying not to touch any contaminated surfaces
Safe space has taken on a whole new meaning.
Relaxing at home and trying to let go of the stress
The news saturates us with distressing information
And so we must insulate ourselves somewhat
From the heart wrenching details of human suffering.
We are witnessing a devolution into a kind of failed state
Unable to effectively contain the virus unlike some other countries
Unable to halt and reverse the collapse of the economy
Though the full realization of this hasn't hit home yet.
States bidding against each other and the federal government
To procure scarce personal protective equipment supplies
Secretly transporting the goods like contraband
Trying to avoid confiscation of what has been purchased.
Everyone who is waiting for things to get better
Hoping life will soon return to the way it was before
Does not understand the scale of the devastation
Looming on the horizon into the coming decade.
More like the asteroid impact that doomed the dinosaurs
Than the sudden destruction of a tsunami wave
Much of what we have known will not survive
As the new world order emerges from the wreckage.
I have a recurring dream during this initial phase
Surrounded by contagious people coughing
While my life partner dreams often of death
Anticipating the scenes of starvation to come.
But perhaps you doubt such a grim forecast
Thinking this economy will quickly rebound
Because you can’t imagine that it won’t
Nor do either of us wish for the misery it will bring.
We need new leadership to emerge in this crisis
With an organization that will mobilize millions
To do away with the grifters profiting from crony capitalism
Replacing it with a system promoting our health and welfare.
