Who We Are

By Susan Mardele

The COVID pandemic has spawned
a few epidemics of its own.

There is an epidemic of loneliness,
isolation exaggerated by physical distancing.

Shelter-in-place blues layer atop
endemic national depression.

Alcohol sales have nearly quadrupled.
I’d say that qualifies for epidemic status.

Statistics on domestic abuse vary.
Suspicions are they are grossly underreported.

Unemployment statistics have hit the roof,
though many get a busy signal.

But then again…

Netflix is booming,
catapulted by Tiger King and Love is Blind.

Global air pollution is at an unprecedented low,
and so are gas prices.

Pizza restaurants that specialize in delivery
are adding workers.

And Amazon is on a hiring binge,
forecasting 100,000 new positions.

Amid all the news flying around
that reveals who we are en masse…

There is another kind of epidemic happening.
It is an epidemic of kindness.

I’d like to think that above all the
sensational headlines,

This ability to rise above adversity
and share kindness with others…

Is the truth of who we are.