the end of the world

word gets out on the street
that the black

plague has returned.

it's the middle ages once more.

eyes are falling out.
blood

runs deep.
people are dying in droves.

(a word I've been longing to use)

there is panic.
heads are covered

mouths are masked. it's the end
of the world

as we know it.

signs go up all over town, closed
because of the plague

stay in your homes, hunker
down.

be brave. this too shall pass.

repent, repent the church crier
yells

from bell tower,
while he blows his nose.

there's a line at the liquor store,
that circles the block

and goes and goes.