To rise again tomorrow

I blocked my ears, so as not to hear the bells toll on and on

And covered my eyes so as not to see

The long, long procession

of army jeeps and freezer trucks

Carrying precious cargo

No graveside prayers, no “dust to dust”

As contagion cancelled all tradition

No floral bouquets, no wreaths of green

Or hymns sang loud and clearly

No eulogy, no words at all

Save those whispered in anguished voice imprisoned

By grieving souls in isolation

So, bless these bodies, God, we pray

And bring us consolation

For loved ones gone

For those left behind

Who grieve without help or closure

It’s been one hundred years or more

Since our world’s seen such calamity

Or felt so deeply forsaken

We need you now, more than ever, Lord

Please hasten to our aid

Please dry these bitter tears

And If I may prevail…