ADVICE AS THE VIRUS SPREADS Our leaders tell us that hugs are potentially contagious, and to practise social distancing. They are right about the danger of hugs. Hugs spread compassion, that can ripple through a group like sunshine when curtains are pulle

ADVICE AS THE VIRUS SPREADS

Our leaders tell us that
hugs are potentially contagious,
and to practise social distancing.

They are right about the danger of hugs.
Hugs spread compassion,
that can ripple through a group
like sunshine when curtains
are pulled back in a dark room.

Let us sleep cuddled close,
breathe fresh air and smile
at strangers with furrowed brows.

The hooded figure with his scythe
strides the cornfields and the streets
and we will all meet him some day.

But we have this day, this moment, these lungs
and can spread the scent of joy and hope
on the winds that circle the world.