How Close Is Too Close? by Kongyin One nursing home positive diagnosis Abruptly silencing the community. Crows urgently cancelling their daily gathering Heading separate ways. In the darkness of night Stars sleeping, averting contact. Petals diligently washing in dewdrops, leaving a mess on the moss. Trees all present, Wearing no masks but politely social distancing. A local dog-walker sneezes Into the empty space sniffling his apology: It’s an allergy, nothing else. The gate of the nursing home confines. A shadow tumbles down the path Followed by her, wrapped in a coat shouting at an ajar window: How close is too close When I care only for you? Next time I visit Bring your favorite goodies or toilet paper? A hoarse cough escapes: If I am still here darling, Bring the tears you’ve been collecting And a photo -- when you were still a kiddy. | 
