He passed
away this morning
12:30 AM
the ninth of my friends
who died this year
the Covid snake is getting closer

I look back
and see fangs dripping
with fresh blood
stay away from me
you evil monster

yet it keeps sliding
rippling faster across the ground

I want to live,
and so did my friends.

Aren’t you satisfied
Haven’t you had enough to eat,
You COVID monster?

He raises his head
and begins to speak.

I have children
They Grow faster every day
I cannot rest
till all are fed.

I must not look back
Too much time is wasted.

He will get me if I falter.

I must grow wings
and fly away.

Genie Nakano
International Tanka, No. 10 2021
Tokyo, Japan
Publisher: Aya Yuki

©2021  Genie Nakano. All rights reserved. Please do  not reproduce or distribute without author’s written permission.