Do you feel it?
The growing weight

A blanket sewn of fear
and hate cast over
everyone in its path

Another layer added
with each news story,
unsolicited opinion,
misguided answer

Like being wrapped in
a down comforter on
the hottest day of summer

And I am suffocating

But no amount of worry
will ease the weight
Or change this season

Do we burrow deeper?
Do we kick off the cover?

What if I reach for your hand,
and you reach for mine-
Then together, together

Like brilliant sun rays
piercing storm clouds
We poke pin holes
in the fabric

Each aperture releasing
a breath, a smile, a memory-
Droplets of hope
Rising in solidarity