(The author credits Aarati Jagdeo for her edits, with deep gratitude for her family and friends.)

Just Stay HOME
So many dying
So much goodness gone
Convoluted messaging
Keep it simple
Just Stay HOME

Introspection
Families bonding
D-Nice dancing
Community singing
So much possibility
When you Stay HOME

Genetic sequencing
Vaccines developing
Gates spending
Officials stammering
TV blaring
When you Stay HOME

COVID unmasks
Domestic violence
Child abuse
Booze overuse
Discrimination
Inequity
No money, No formula, No home
So much exposed
When some stay home.

To those who heal and care for us
You are more than “essential”
You are mortal
You die too
You can’t see COVID
Yet so close to you

You can’t see families
And They STAY HOME
And You Die Less
When We STAY HOME.

A Haiku: Solutions
Everyone stay home.
Now most jobs make PPE-
Masks, Vents, Vaccines too.