Has it been that long?
It seems much longer.
A year now, give or take, in which
personal protection is self-preservation.

Stay apart.

Wear a mask.

Wash your hands.

All attempts we share with others who care
about others, as we do. It’s as simple as that
in this complex world of
doubt and shame.

Again and again.

Only the ignorant don’t understand.

The noise won’t be silenced; the news is not fake,
one year now of give and take.

And isolation.

Or loss.

Still, there remains a present danger
for family, friends, lovers and strangers.

It is a numbers game, death toll rises,
now, it has been a year since
we’ve lived this crisis.