What Still Works and Does Not

This bleak pandemic,

unsettling and quite deadly,

claims some positives.

Power grids prevail.

So do phones, internet, mail,

police and fire crews.

For those who can pay,

food supplies mostly arrive,

disruptions short-lived.

With dedication,

medical infrastructure

holds up though tested.

Village in action,

volunteers emerge to help

those needing support.

Despite achieving

moderate integrity,

system faults persist.

Widespread suffering

from lost jobs, lives, and routines

masks inequities.

The plea to expunge

stubborn inequalities

begs for attention.

Fairness when absent

imperils group long-term strength,

thwarting full promise.