I watch them shuffle 
through my bedroom window
so comfortable in their spaces 
hand in hand, merry go round the mulberry bush 
smiles and laughter 
forgetting 

I scream inaudibly "Where is your mask, stay six feet apart"

More arrive to the tune of summer festivities 
sharing hugs and things I once knew 
but the window has become the known 
A fish, sitting in a tank 
wondering if they are safe
wondering if they know the danger they are in 
bubbles rise to the surface 
watching, wondering, wishing

I scream inaudibly "Where is your mask, stay six feet apart"

Back and forth in front of glass 
a sharp sound breaks my wander 
A cough heard round the world, fading smiles 
hugs turn to backward glances and laughter turns to goodbyes
the party appears to be over, it appears they may have heard me 

I scream inaudibly "Where is your mask, stay six feet apart"