poems for friends

we’re moving along.

Here it is with a second stanza by Caroline Donnola and a third by Gail Peck:

Be passive, be quiet 

Stay home.

Don’t talk to a neighbor;

Ride the elevator alone

Let’s defy this new custom
of averting our eyes
when passing each other
as if to disguise
that we are all hurting
and ache to empathize

Be creative and warm
It won’t cause any harm
Find a way to connect
That’s unusual and direct