when everyone wears masks
not just the thugs—who can
tell the difference between
bank teller or bank robber?
depends who holds the gun,
i suppose, that’s how it goes
down around town now?
coronavirus makes everyday
an unpaid masquerade
who misses the kisses?
what deprivation of hugs?
if love is to die for then
who can tell the difference
between death by covid or
death from a lonely heart?
carry them out dressed in
hazmat suits—travelers
in wilderness of contagion
Linking to dVerse poets where Sarah offers titles as writing prompt…
a poem in my pocket 
Dec 04, 2020 @ 01:47:33
saying how it is … for some it’s super tough! Very well written
Dec 04, 2020 @ 06:48:48
My father is fighting it right now…
Dec 04, 2020 @ 15:54:11
sorry to hear that, best of luck … I will add your family to my prayers!
Dec 04, 2020 @ 21:18:54
Thanks much, Kate.
Dec 04, 2020 @ 21:20:23
do you live near him/your parents?
Dec 05, 2020 @ 07:13:58
No, 600 miles away…Mom is gone (18 years) and we cannot visit him 😦
Dec 05, 2020 @ 14:53:17
ouch then that is the hardest part … ask him how he’d like to be supported. He might enjoy lots of phone contact or less. Maybe a few parcels of photos to cheer him up. Get creative 🙂
Dec 05, 2020 @ 16:55:45
Good ideas 🙂
Dec 05, 2020 @ 20:34:41
I worked in hospice care for years but can’t imagine how isolation is impacting on sicknesses now … we will need loads of care 🙂
Dec 08, 2020 @ 08:58:55
I think the isolation is as bad, if not worse long term, than the illness. Thanks, Kate.
Dec 08, 2020 @ 14:38:13
I am sure it is for many, young or old .. take care Lynn and email me if you want to chat
Dec 10, 2020 @ 06:01:07
I appreciate that, Kate!
Dec 10, 2020 @ 06:24:53
welcome Lynn!
Dec 03, 2020 @ 12:20:43
“travelers / in wilderness of contagion” — Indeed.
This is quite evocative. Well done.
Dec 03, 2020 @ 20:53:57
Thanks for reading, Ken.
Dec 03, 2020 @ 08:20:30
This is so evocative! I resonate with “coronavirus makes everyday an unpaid masquerade.” 💝
Dec 03, 2020 @ 20:54:26
Glad it resonated with you, Sanaa 🙂
Dec 02, 2020 @ 15:55:01
Good questions. But I bet you can tell. (K)
Dec 02, 2020 @ 19:57:59
😉
Dec 02, 2020 @ 14:45:23
“if love is to die for then
who can tell the difference
between death by covid or
death from a lonely heart?”
Daaaaaang, that’s awesome!
Dec 02, 2020 @ 19:58:55
Thaaaaanks, Jenna!
Dec 02, 2020 @ 14:16:02
yes, we are all in a Covid-19 Marti Gras of calamities!
Love these lines…
if love is to die for then
who can tell the difference
between death by covid or
death from a lonely heart?
Dec 02, 2020 @ 20:00:07
Thanks, Dwight…yes, a “Marti Gras of calamities”!
Dec 02, 2020 @ 20:25:45
No one last year would believe this for sure!!
Dec 02, 2020 @ 14:03:59
This time is a time to live by patience… it will go over
Dec 02, 2020 @ 20:00:38
Good reminder, Bjorn…this too shall pass.
Dec 02, 2020 @ 13:10:23
We are all travelers in a wilderness of contagion. Well penned! By summer, we should be in better shape, if we are all careful now.
Dec 02, 2020 @ 20:01:07
I hope so, Sherry.
Dec 02, 2020 @ 12:31:48
Well written Lynn, and I really liked all the internal rhyme.
Dec 02, 2020 @ 20:01:41
Glad you liked it, Rob 🙂
Dec 02, 2020 @ 12:26:39
This is a marvelous poem, Covid-driven and inquisitive. Well penned!
Dec 02, 2020 @ 20:02:13
I appreciate your comments, Bev!