Next Thanksgiving

When many put off
seeing loved ones

so they can see
them next year

or at least
avoid the
turkey police

Here’s the truth:

it doesn’t help
us ensure

we will see
them next year

instead it
reduces
those chances

because it’s
getting more difficult

to wade through
endless months

of lying
about flatter curves

and the isolation
is warping our

hearts and minds
for the long term

go hug someone
who needs it

don’t deny the
open arms

because they
may not make it
to next year