Dilemma

 Recognize

there is much we have to learn.

We guess at others’ tolerances.

Are we too cautious,

too bold? too close?

What is the limit for safety?

We measure out our lives

with statistics and percentages

we barely understand: cases

and graphs and tests; 

positivity rates and hospital beds;

recovery rates and deaths.

Know

we have become 

a city of bandits:

masked faces on every street,

stealing through supermarkets,

keeping our distance

relative to everyone else.

And we are suspicious…

assessing the history

of everything we touch, 

be it shopping cart,

countertop, or proffered pen.

Understand

that truth’s a rare commodity

these days..

that no one really knows

exactly what we’re battling..

or how we should engage.

Nothing is certain, nothing is sure

Some trust in history or science,

some in political rhetoric, 

some simply believe they are invincible.

Take your choice, but know this. Know this:

everybody lies