viral effect

it's in our faces every day
if we dare go out
turn on the news
or go online

the streets are empty now
the playgrounds decorated in yellow tape
a warning

in every move we make
we ask
is it worth dying for?

the gas pumps sit idle

we stop at empty intersections
what are we waiting for?
to see who goes next?
who does go next?

what are we waiting for?
to find out how bad it can get?

no!  JUST NO!
we must wait
for this dark death star to pass

i whisper to myself
patience
patience
patience

and somehow i find it
if only for a moment or a day

we must wait

we must wait
for the light to shine
to burn away this darkness
that clouds our minds
distorts our vision
that holds us hostage
to an unknown fate

we must look to the earth
blossoming under blue skies
see how she is resting?
see how nature is healing?

we must wait
and in waiting
we must usher in the light

let our prayer be
to be present
to see one another
to lift each other
to feed one another
to appreciate one another

let us become the answer
to our own prayer

let us become the light