Sirens clouding over the quiet air

Sound like they’re on my porch

Another follows, piercing

A train answers, squealing

But the streets are mostly empty

And mostly silent

Vehicles without sirens are speeding

People dog-walking seem cluttered

Darting away from fellow walkers

Further isolating the isolated

Silently grateful for the friend

Who loves me no matter what

In this silent city

Still loud, but quieter now

I can hear my friend’s breath

Happy at her end of the leash

Maia Waern

Nov 25 2020