Sign of the Times

Camels cross the Sahara.

From the branches a red cardinal sings.

Raccoon sleeps in a dark cool place.

Worms wriggle aerating the soil.

Bison graze on the South Dakota Plains.

Koi fish skim the surface of a pond.

Dog naps on a lazy spring day afternoon.

Gator lies in wait in a Louisiana bayou.

Stadiums and arenas are empty.

Theaters and concert halls closed to the public.

Amusement parks and golf courses destitute.

Without a prayer, without a hymn, churches,

Temples and mosques stand silent.

Students' learning waits at home.

No patrons seated or mingling at restaurants and bars.

Dangerous times for mankind,

That is to say, more dangerous than usual.

And one pauses to wonder, who to trust?

In the balance, life or death perhaps…

The way is eerily wary; everyone wears a mask.

                           -30-

Chris Hanch 4-11-2020