supposed
to be
our days
to come
together
to unite
and
to embrace
empathy

Instead
we fought and
faced
curious choices
between
forced freedoms
and
reasonable restraint

And
networked
figures
convinced followers
that faith
in science
and living
responsibly
was a sign
of
fear

And
we turned
our phones
against our neighbors
to document
and denounce
those
who
made excuses
to go
maskless
posting and sharing
their sin
spreading their
shame

And
saying
Black Lives
matter
somehow
devalued
the worth
of all souls

And
holding all
police
to the highest
of standards
meant
you were not
a patriot

Some
cried
to open
businesses
and
schools
yet
closed
hearts
to those
forced
to risk lives
to just
do
their
jobs

And
online agitators
continued
‘gramming
and
tweeting
to
trigger and troll
the slushiest
snowflakes

And
they continued
pushing lies
Big Lies
meant to
breed
burn and
boil over

If only
we would listen
and learn
instead of
squawk
and spew

We are blessed
with
a new day
a new choice
a new tomorrow

Will
we join
fractured forces
eager to
undermine
pleas
to unite
?

or

Will
we
listen
learn
love
?

We have a choice

Will
it
get
better
?

I have
hope