Another December, 
Another end of the road 
As I look around and wonder, 
Where have all the people gone? 

Tucked in tighter to their circle 
Under the guise of staying healthy, 
They bother not to dine out or congregate. 
O, where have all the people gone? 

In their pj’s working at home 
Two years on 
but have they been the wiser 
Or more isolated than society demanded?

It began with constant check-ins, 
Reunions with Zooms, 
“How are you getting on?” led to 
“How have you been?” 
O, where have all the people gone?

A text, a flirt, a wink, a necessity 
To remain in contact without contact 
Has all gone. 
O, where have all the people gone?

A walk, a coffee date, a drink, 
Dinner with friends, 
Anything to maintain a semblance of normalcy. 
O, where have all the people gone?