Stressed Out and Stretched Out: A Stuck Inside Poem, Day 26

People just out here mad

at stuff. Ready to pick a fight,

or if not pick it, at least watch it

being picked and then go defend

something or someone innocent and true

against something ignorant and bruised

that’s done wrong and confused kindness

for eagerness again.

Some bridges won’t burn, but they will

fall into the rushing water below.  And who could blame them?

Wouldn’t you love to go for a swim right now? 

Take turns jumping and hitting the surface

of water for no other reason

than shameless joy?

So what if the live love laugh etsy page reminds you

not all who wander are crossing the same bridge?

There’s a big difference between the people

who will complain about putting on the quarantine

fifteen and the families who are too proud

to accept a handout.

That’s all any of us can really offer.

A hand that’s outstretched. 

It’s also the one thing we cannot accept.   

You don’t know who’s been coughing.