the elevator is crowded

push has come to shove

clutching bags stuffed full

of toilet rolls and gloves

the lights in the halls of the mall

flash an ultra-violet glow

a false protection against

a death that can’t be seen

the bulletin boards above us

pulse the word disaster

in letters ten feet tall

everyone looks the same

behind their protective masks

a man drops down ahead of me

he places his hand on his heart

the clamouring crowds depart

a few take photographs

as he speaks aloud from his knees

he is only praying

his prayers are all for them