When this pandemic is over
What will we become?
A nation that cares for everyone
Or a country that only cares for some
Will we provide health care for all?
A job that provides a livable wage
Access to healthy food and shelter
Or everyone on their own, even in old age
Will we address inequality?
And all the other isms
Or will we keep proclaiming ours is the world’s best
And further widen the schism
Will we acknowledge that we’re all connected?
That we’re all from the same human tree
Or will we revert back to tribalism
Will that be our final destiny?
I shudder to think what our future holds
If we return to the status quo
I want to remain optimistic
But I keep hearing the naysayers say-“I told you so”
We’ve been given a rare moment
To reflect on what we might become
Will we embrace this great challenge
By creating a new and more compassionate home
My heart cries out for peace and justice
But I don’t know where it will come from
I guess it all depends on, when this pandemic is over
What you and I become
