The Long Haul Begins

Pandemic effects

lingering intractably

reframe normalcy

Once contagion stays,

resilience frays at last.

The long haul begins.

Self-doubt will persist,

fostered by this epic plague’s

ominous death toll.

What strength can be mined?

Will one’s foundational truths

aid forward movement?

As firm counterweight,

honest doubt hovers throughout

existential angst.

How best to resist?

Premature surrender tempts

even the strong-willed.