Survival

in the middle of a plague

she lived in a small, strange village 

sequestered along with the other ancient undead

hip neighbor-lady across the hall 

played rock music 

it’s the time of the season 

don’t fear the reaper

another body hauled away

on a silent night 

but mama survived 

our sister would visit with cake and oranges.

pale blue eyes smiled beneath the mask mandate

sister waved hugless hellos,

a child eager

for mother to come hold her