Is this the planet
on a mission to
defend itself
or Is it karma
consequence
of the cruel trade
in monkeys
marmosets
exotic birds
does global warming
play a part and
will the vaccine
teach us to live with this
as we have learned
to live with winter flu
how long before
the next one comes around
will we have learned
to be better prepared

So many questions
so few answers
all we know
is that we haven't reached the end
or yet had time
to take account
of all the losses suffered
especially by the poor
the elderly
those whose health
already compromised
puts them at greater risk

Doctors, nurses, physician's aids
work overtime to help
the sick, the dying
and the hospitals
are running out of beds
while I a bystander
retired from active duty
hole up here
at home
writing this useless verse