Coping

Few in number they were, representing

a large community in a world where

borders have been shut tight, national

production halted, people sternly advised

then ordered to self-isolate at home and

venture out only for absolute necessities

the world turned chaotic with fear and

suspicion in the grip of a deadly pathogen

threatening to decimate entire populations

governments uncertain in response as

the medical community despairs it may

never come to grips with this most imminent

of threats. That small number chose to

venture from their homes in pursuit of

the absolute necessity to breathe fresh air

exercise their limbs, celebrate spring's 

April appearance despite skies as fully

overcast as the dismal future and wind

that exacerbated the cold day for in the

urban forest despite its drab appearance

there is the promise that all will be reborn

the deciduous trees leaf out, vegetation

shoot out of the thawed forest floor and a

medley of spring wildflowers brighten the

landscape. A small boy took a mighty leap

from boulder to boulder over the forest

stream and stood triumphant celebrating

his victory, arms high overhead, hands

clasped in self-congratulation, awaiting

applause from his nearby mother. A young

couple descending a forest trail laugh with

the joy of self-discovcry as a pair of small

dogs garbed in bright hues of blue and red

ascend the trail, elderly companions behind.