ISOLATION

Words bubble up
To form a membrane,
Keeping burned patches
Of the soul
From drying out.

On your own
You dress
And wrap them-
Firm but gentle,
Tape it tight.

It’s inevitable-
We end up hurt
And confused
In these times
Of isolation,

Called upon
To be the nurse
In the emergency room,
To take things
One trauma at a time

With no promise
Of forgetful
Camaraderie
At the end
Of the day.