nope, Elon

despite Elon Musk’s assertion,

empathy is not a disease

that is debilitating our nation

caring for one another is essential

to life unless one is arrogant enough

to believe anyone is greater

than lightning, flood, earthquake,

fire, virus, stroke, myocardial infarction

and working for each other’s wellbeing

merits satisfaction that amassing

any amount of goods does not comprehend

quiet communication

haiku

how to talk across

emotional divides rests

on listening well

being human

if we felt our forebearers anguish

if we knew humanity’s uncertainty

is as our own anxiety and fear

would we feel so alone?

would we have conjured ‘enemy’?