To Local Business: A Love Letter

On this cusp, in these moments as we peek out to play, I serenade the local businesses which, daily, make my day.  

TO LOCAL, WITH LOVE

All the things I miss most don't come in a box.
These make me more human, more well and less lost:

A spin at the gym, a pint at the pub.
Chats with a houseless reader to learn what he loves.

Daily markets, nightly music and restaurants all please.
Galleries of arts, libations and curations, too, feed.

Pop-up servings of song, conversation, feasts for the eyes.
Maybe a new dish or cuisine, or some other surprise.

Faithful communities of ideas, prayer and dance.
Circular economies of books, clothing and chance.

Local centers for health, security, learning.
Playgrounds and performance - for these I am yearning.

My ghosted town shocked my senses, the result of what’s best
As we flatten the curve of a most complex guest.

As essential workers work overtime and families struggle in place,
As those ill strain to breathe, let’s take care when we meet face to face:

Let’s see the chains that supply us, kiss the ground we stand on.
Let’s still save tons of fugitive carbon. All this wisdom - hard-won!

For in vibrant communities, wellness is served on a platter.
Food for the body-mind-heart, room for expression, what matters.

So - as we come back to play within local timing and size,
Let’s come recharged by our experience – with new insights, fresh eyes.

To re-create community consciously - if from six feet apart -
With more authentic masks, brighter eyes, cleaner hands and bigger hearts.