A slow bleed Free Verse

A slow bleed ~ Free Verse

a slow bleed…

at first the world was shocked
like being on a ship, discovering a leak
but then there were too many …

like a kitchen fire
putting out the flames
until it spread too far…

winter, spring…
the world looked in shock
watching overseas
knowing what was to come

so many deaths
so many losses
too many mourners
robbed of saying, ‘goodbye’

and then summer arrived…

leaks seemed under control
fire was a constant simmer
‘Summertime’ in the air

most humans still followed rules
…except
those wrapped in self-righteousness
their stole of complacency
those screaming for freedom
claiming their rights and liberties
defying laws that protect humans
laws to allow essential workers
do their job
to keeping the sick, alive

healthcare workers hold a screen
a dying patient says ‘adieu’
from afar, loved ones mourn

a nurse steps out for air
in shock, so much despair
sees marchers scream unmasked
claim threats are just a hoax
deaths only media hyped
they see not what they do
but only their umbilici

under its watchful eye
coronas sneer at their prey
multiply to centillions

autumn’s expectations
children, youths, essential workers
vulnerable and at risk
coronas’ tempting hosts
spreading more and more
coronas hanging on

essential workers stock our shelves
food for demanding bellies
barter with the devil
should they get tested and miss work
or work to feed their family
should they risk to lose their homes
their families on the street?
no benefits protect these heroes
what else can they then do?

winter locks the world
…again
this virus holds them prisoners
scientists work around the clock
companies start producing
new remedies for the world
but…
our fears and egotism
controls human behaviour
politics gets in the mix
add greed and nepotism
all powerful yet fatal

leaders and wealth
put the world at risk again
the rich’s win will be short lived…
the poor …we’re still not sure…

I wonder which is worse
which virus is more contagious?
which germ destroys the most?

corona or inhumanity?
who cares…
they all  are now bedfellows.

the world bleeds…

© tournesol 2021 01 30