Advice in a Pandemic

Be smart, my love.

  The world would miss

   that nose

   those teeth

   those lush

   and lovely lips.

   You need to wear a mask.

  Be safe, my love.

  On a walk

   in a bus

   at a church

   out in public

   while shopping

   you need to wear a mask.

  Be calm, my love.

  Watching news

  cleaning house

  cooking food

  sorting pictures

  texting messages

  all work OK without a mask.

  Soon enough, my love,

  none will have to ask

  to see again

  that nose

  those teeth

  those lovely lips

  hidden, once, behind a mask.