day THIRTEEN HUNDRED and FIFTY SEVEN

Somewhere Among Us a Virus is Taking Notes
(after C. Simic and Z. Herbert)

This virus
is the perfect
student

Unlike you
it is careful
of boundaries

Exact marks
entered
in the margins

It sees you
eyes
calm and clear

And
at the end
of term?

A report card
filled with the
“Highest” marks

(inspired by the push to open US Schools)

--John Stickney

John Stickney is a poet/writer originally from Cleveland, OH, currently living in the coastal area of Wilmington, NC.)