New God: Sonnet # 1: Response to the Pandemic

The gods invisible have mantled Earth;

They’ve spread their gospel of such grave concern

That man must face his sins.  This tragic dirge

That ends all work and play, now takes its turn

Dethroning Progess from her tarnished perch—

Oh, where to look to find the new divine

Where we might cherish meaning on our search,

For icons newly minted we’ll enshrine;

We’ll pray to them so not to be alone.

To the overriding power, the new anointed might

We’ll sacrifice ourselves, our very bones,

Our flesh and blood—we’ll keep this god in sight

As now we go to worship all its power

Entrusting You, Big Pharma.  Save us in this hour!