Such jubilation every time a vessel

debarks a new contingent at the port.

So much relief when loved ones, wrested apart

for long, lone months are free again to nestle 

cheek to cheek, to hug and kiss, to jostle,

guiltlessly mingling among the singing throng,

siblings swinging siblings, making rings

to dance till dawn with no one a virus’ vassal.

 

Ravenous variants infest the water, revolving

slowly around the boat-people. Uneasiness spreads

as they perceive the creatures are evolving.

I snub the fiesta, stare gloomily out from land,

braced for a day when one discovers legs,

hauls from the surf, lugs doggedly up the sand…