Thief of Lives

crossing oceans,

an invisible enemy washes up

and rises to walk

the flourishing earth

it rises

and wanders among the living…

preying upon human weaknesses…

exploiting the need for closeness

and contact

it moves between people

from host to host,

wreaking havoc

on health and emotions

thief of lives, but never of souls

it thrives in the elderly and the compromised,

yet also in the young and healthy…

leaving no stone unturned,

no one invulnerable

nature watches with a knowing eye

as she wakens from her slumber…

but remains unbiased

in the unfurling of leaves

and the opening of blossoms…

she is impartial

to the plight of humankind…

oblivious to the chaos…

the loss of life and livelihood… knowing

that eventually this too shall pass

it will run its course

this abomination…

this thief…

thief of lives

but never of souls…

Sylvia L. Mattingly, April 18, 2020

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