My friends have been

dropping in flocks

like poisoned birds

 

from a variety of maladies–

breathing tainted oxygen,

drinking water,

 

eating plates of toxic food

disguised to look

like love offerings.

 

All are deadly,

All will do you in.

No way to fly above.

No way to go without.

 

Meanwhile, the news

shrills about protection—

 

facial coverings,

needles of deterrence.

Perhaps they’re right:

 

the air is lethal,

yet too little breath

will topple you

tike a tree.

.

Inhale, exhale.

 

Stay alive for

as long as possible,

 

draw in your own

sweet wind, and

share it with the sky.

 

No one knows

the answer,

anyway.