Eclipsed

For days, then weeks, we’ve been obsessed,
Our thoughts pandemic-driven
And focusing on something else
Might not be quite forgiven.

Until a senseless crime occurred,
Resulting in a death
And suddenly, the quarantined
Breathed one communal breath.

The empty streets were filled again
With those whose coexistence
Did not allow for worry
About six-feet social distance.

Released, with pent-up energy,
From sheltering-in-place,
The crowds who marched in protest
Had a purpose to embrace.

The virus was eclipsed because
Our fears, so fraught and stark,
Bubbled over when confronted
With a unifying spark.