Last night in meditation I felt I was standing
at the edge of an ocean of grief, waves 
of emotion envisioning

all those who are alone... in their homes, 
in hospitals, in other care facilities.
The physical separation 

necessary to slow the spread of infection
has left so many in unexpected, 
unfamiliar isolation. 

I could not bear the feeling of doing nothing, 
having their helplessness meet only 
an echo of my own. 

I moved a chair to the side of my bed, sat there
with closed eyes, let my hand rest upon
and gently clasp the coverlet. 

It was enough to sit quiet there for just five minutes.
Tonight, inshAllah, I'll be back again, trying
to be an invisible companion.

And when the time comes, this year or some year
later when I am taken to my bed with
fever, struggle breathing

I'll ask for an empty chair beside me, trusting one
of you will send your spirit, and sit with me
in quiet for five minutes.