a basketball bouncing
a child laughing
from the yard behind my own
neighbors I have never met
a visiting nurse pulls into the drive across the street, to care for a man who had a stroke 6 months ago
I wonder if he knows of the virus or that we are all home now
too
sirens, racing to
who though
& why
someone else I don’t know
in need of rescue
birds chirping
not altogether unaware
that life has changed
for us all
bamboo wind chimes
suddenly
loud
or maybe themselves
but now
I can hear them
hello
a small voice from a second floor window shouts to me
hello
I reply squinting to see the small boy in red pajamas waving to me
from across the street
hello
would you like to see my puppy?
well yes, I would love to see your puppy.
hello
here he is
he says holding up his small
Beagle
we can’t come out because I’m sick but
do you think I could say hello to you again tomorrow?
yes, I say
I will be listening
hello
………………
Christine’s website.