I Isolate

to save you
from the threat

of my skin
my breath

this mask
these gloves

tokens
of affection

I disinfect
groceries

wipe mail
in acts of devotion

I polish
doorknobs

with bleach
for penitence

my loneliness
is a prayer

to the world
for your survival

this crisis is
testing us

our hand-washed courage
to continue

the surest symptom
we have of hope

My absence
in your life

the truest confirmation
of my love

by Anne McCrady

NEWSLINKS: CNN, USAToday, CDC

AUDIOLINK: Soundcloud