This world
It’s too much
Too, too much
Touch is dangerous
So are
Blades of grass
Deep breaths
Being too close.
The selfish carry on
As though this is the same world
They stepped out into
In 2019;
They deny the need
To isolate
They laugh at the panic
Not realizing
They may carry death
Inside strong lungs
That can fight it.
Today I found out
A friend died.
I think it was COVID-19
But not because she had it.
Probably because in a world
That was already so hard to live in
This scourge made it
Damn near impossible
To escape her own head.
Oh my dear
You were wise
And so full of heart
I am happy if you are finally at peace
But I will miss your words
Your quiet strength
The beautiful way you shared yourself
With all of us.
You told me once
“Keep going.”
And I’ll try.
I promise, I’ll try.
by Julie Blue 