From Venetian language “quarantina”
meaning “forty days”. Earlier, in his
“The Book of Healing”, great Ibn Sina
prescribed isolation for diseases
of leprosy and TB. A thousand
years before today. Caught on in Europe
when Black Plague destroyed a third of its clan.
Here now, outside a sparrow gives me hope,
its quick chirp and glide a signal to pray.
This cool cup of water helps body cope.
Later, I’ll watch one of Shakespeare’s sweet plays
on my smart TV, its language and scope
lifting me, as always. Find a friend, talk
online with video. Then take a walk.
Roger Armbrust
April 19, 2020
