Sheltering in Place
by Mark Fleisher

We clasp hands
skin warm to the touch
affirming we are not
alone in this battle
against the unseen
We enjoy the gift of time
for no schedule binds us
shall we be lazy today
spend an extra hour in bed
find a nosh in the larder
skip needed exercise
We eye the latest news
appalled by hungry refugees
their eyes vacant, near-naked
bodies bent like willows
quivering in the wind
smoke from dwindling
cooking fires barely
billowing to the sky
We are fortunate
we are grateful
we tell each other

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