We are tossed at sea

in this pandemic.

Humanity strained,

hugs abandoned.

If our species

relies on connection,

What binds us together in times of trouble?

Love.

Hope.

Stories.

These are the things that hold us together.

Love and hope are intertwined —

each strengthening the other.

And, stories feed us when we are apart.

The pandemic will end.

But,

we will always require

Love.

Hope .

Stories.

Inspired by Alice Dunbar-Nelson’s poem “Hope“.