Ode to a Pandemic
You find me at the coffee shop
having your daily latte;
at the movies, where you meet
up with friends for popcorn,
At the grocery store, strolling
the aisles buying canned tomatoes,
You find me on dates which is sad,
because on dates I really try to appear,
You find me at Disney World, Carowinds,
in line for Space Mountain or Thunderroad,
You find me at parties, showing up
uninvited so often you stop celebrating,
You find me on an airplane, in a slow
moving line at check in and baggage claim,
Don’t worry, some told you its all a
hoax as millions fell,
As if that would forestall me, to know I am
the enemy, your stalker
Every good artist makes their audience
uncomfortable, my art is death,
My birthday is your doomsday,
so go on, believe in a hoax
As I watch you try to catch your
breath, gripped in sweat,
Easy to believe,
if you’ve never lost the gift of taste,
Been shaken in chills as if you are the
pulse button on a blender,
Don’t worry, I’ll find you
for I linger on the air
Evolving, mutating, seeking
you out- my purpose.
“Here I am, world” I shout,
to make you think its safe
As if removing your mask is a
crime you can’t get busted for
So let’s party like it’s 1999,
invite friends over,
Share a hug, a little red cup
and toast to no tomorrow…
By Garry Farlow