Aftermath

Photo from Flickr

When this fierce battle is done and our ordeal ends

And there is no more cause to shelter from the threat of infection

We will finally be free to share embraces with our family and our friends

And shed between ourselves our pent up love and affection

As we emerge uncertain, into that tenuous aftermath

And look back upon the tragedy and loss our hearts endured

Where we no longer have cause to fear, and our joyful collective laugh

Disguises the worst of times to which our minds were inured

What will be forever revised and what will remain the same?

How might we measure each and every nuance of the change?

Will we as a people be intent on assigning any blame?

Will we trust each other more as we turn to face the strange?

As we emerge from our enforced and global hibernation

And we begin to pick up pieces of lives the storm has scattered

And a semblance of normality returns once more to our ravaged nation

Perhaps we might treasure values that previously should have mattered

Steve Wheeler © 26 June, 2020