So many fallen
An invisible force
Young and old
Taken from us
No family nearby
Last breathe taken
Loved ones mourn
Out of reach
Death takes its toll
Virus or not
They die without
human touch
Everyday life
Under attack
Locked within
Personal space
Familiar faces
On a screen
Close at hand
Yet so far away
Trees turn green
Thunder claps loud
Spring flowers bloom
Time presses on
Yet memories remain
Of this mournful time
Solemn faces
Upon our minds
Unseen enemy
Still lurks out there
Distant scared faces
Hidden behind masks
Faded thoughts
Of earlier times
Embracing loved ones
Laughing together
Can we ever return
To that innocent time
Of warm embraces
Unhindered social times
In the silent streets
The barren rooms
The empty halls
I hear a distant sound
In this horrific time
This historic time
I still hear the ring
From bells of hope
© 2020 CGThelen
This poem was written as I reflected on the U.S. reaching nearly 100,000 deaths from COVID-19.
The Next Half Century 
Our hearts hurt.
Thank you for this incredible, emotionally spot-on analysis. But God…
There is such an emotional side to this pandemic. Thanks for the comment.