times are different now

times are different now.

silent

vacant

and lonely.

countries, states, and cities are on lockdown. traffic-congested highways are empty. rush hour is nonexistent. children no longer ride their bikes across the sidewalk in front of my house. I miss the sound of laughter that once flooded the streets of San Jose. quietness roams the streets now. eye contact is opposed. silence has replaced conversation between strangers passing by. fear is spreading faster than the virus.

longing for better days.