The pandemic was on the job training,
An education for what was to come.
From it we learned isolation and hopelessness,
And a lack of faith in our leaders.
This despondency stayed with us.
 
Now as we enter an even darker phase,
Fearing the unknown.
We are somewhat prepared,
Ready to hoard and protect,
Ourselves and our social unit.
 
Did the before time offer light at the end?
Do not most fairy tales have happy endings?
Is there a thread we can hang onto?
Rumors? News reports? Experts?
Was it possible to see its effects dwindling?
 
Yet this darkness looms large over us.
Will the coming years place a permanent stamp of despair?
Is it possible our souls will be lost forever?
Can we still escape the coming horrors?
Of the next 2 or 4 years.
 
Or will the bumbling wizard’s spell,
The lies of deceit,
Broken promises of better days,
Let downs and nonexistent expectations,
Invade our very intellect?
 
Roy Richard
November 2024