Unaffected
A letter to self in times of Corona virus

Dear Self,
Doesn’t it bother you What shall happen next, When you donn that Hazmat suit And send them a text? — A text to your loved ones that you’re probably on warfront Attending a woman who bled last night In a dire attempt to give birth to her child. Doesn’t it bother you That if the test results turn out positive, You’ll be sent farther away to a place forgettable in its own ways? — Cold and clammy, Untouched by sunshine— Where doctors find their silver lining And type with a heavy heart, "I’m fine." Doesn’t it bother you That you’ve forgotten the sweet smell— The sweet smell of home Entwined with a thread of childhood longings? Doesn’t it bother you That you’re coming of age When people no longer hug each other; Their smiles hide behind the mask And eyes convey helplessness?
NV©