Recognizing Essential Workers

I’d like to suggest something; a very simple absolutely free thing we can give another, which will make them feel recognized, and improve both their day and yours.  

Next time you’re at the store, or McDonalds, a pub, or a similar place - thank the worker across the counter, or wherever … not some rote comment, said with no real feeling; look them in the eye, and say, “Thank you for putting your life on the line, so I can buy...” and finish by pointing at the groceries, lunch, drink, whatever.  

I have begun doing this, and have been repaid with the most overwhelming gratitude.  These people deserve better than to be treated like furniture, even under normal circumstances.  In our current crisis, they truly are putting their lives on the line, and people still just look right through them.  Please don’t be one of them … take this small step to demonstrate that you are a decent human being. 

Surgeon, I submit Me

Dear surgeon, I submit me to thy knife;
to replumb my wayward entrails, 
which have given me such strife.

Co-lo-rect this misdirection, 
and segregate the flow; 
that the vapor trail less taken
might be taken nevermo. 

And when the cuttin's done, will that be all?
Will I be clean, or will you find microflora
The future is not ours to see, you see
It is all ... viscera sera