Poetry About Epidemic

Red dots multiply across the county map. A school closes before the buses arrive. Nurses write their names on fogged face shields. Every distance becomes an act of care. Statistics rise from thousands of private rooms. An epidemic counts what families must endure.

Look again from the quieter edge. A school closes before the buses arrive. A smaller detail changes the whole scene. Every distance becomes an act of care. Attention loosens the first easy answer. An epidemic counts what families must endure.

Red dots multiply across the county map. Hours pass, but the image does not leave. Nurses write their names on fogged face shields. It returns us to contagion, public health, fear, care, loss, data, and communities responding to widespread illness. Statistics rise from thousands of private rooms. The day continues with a more attentive heart.