the workers
stand in front
of the microwaves
that have been wrapped
in caution tape
confusion
as they hold
their cold meals
staring
with blank faces
as the manager explains
that it is new policy
to prevent people
loitering
in close proximity

the little things
that have vanished
in the face of
essential
yet somehow
non-essential
when faced with the need
to maintain sustenance

the fools floats
on the breeze
like an errant piece
of trash
blown down
through these
seemingly inconsequential
roadblocks

doing donuts
in the empty parking lots
that once held
so many important people
doing things
that the rest of the world
has decided
are not as critical
as they would
have once had
you believe

still the workers
have to force down
a cold meal
while the now
inessential
stay home
in their pajamas
watching the world burn
on the news