numbers again,

statistics read,

those who have died,

intensive care beds,

vaccines available,

centers,

deniers,

compliers,

fines handed out,

wedding parties and wakes,

funerals,

votes/ voters…

redundancies,

the lost,

the lost hopers…

+

those who hope against all the odds…

+

may we remember that each one has a face,

a story,

a grief,

a family,

or no family any longer,

each has a struggle,

the need perhaps for a long missed cuddle,

each has a prayer,

or no prayer,

some rage and some despair,

while others get on quietly,

silently even,

sharing their tears and fears

with their pillows alone…

+

let’s not be swift to judge,

but reach out in love,

to the ones who drive us mad,

to the ones who make us sad,

the ones who make us glad,

and all those in-between,

who on our in-between days

find ways to cheer us…

or simply to be near us, through post or phone…

when we open our hearts we are not alone…

+

we are always more than numbers….