The Heavy Burden of Our Pandemic

COVID-19 brought death to 2020
China closer, Italy closer, New York closer. Now in Easton, closer to my family
Will my family be next?
Patients in the hospital, further, in the clinic, further, by video, further; now only on the phone.
Cases peaking, deaths peaking, rhetoric is peaking
Curves flattening, the economy flattening, my affect is flattening
People in need.
We are going to serve the soup kitchen several times a week,
We even go on weekends.
Needs are high—food, medicine, money
We are taking our family out of safety
To give of our time, our talent, of our treasure
To the soup kitchen, to the hospital, to the clinic
Everyone is staying at home, 
Staying safe and sound, 
But as for me and my family
We continue to work, tirelessly.
I am so tired.