Very good....Let's all hope that the "All Clear" bell will be sounded soon....

Ron: Very nice, Sire. Brings to mind a "Pen Name Poet" that sometimes goes by the handle of "Buffle Canard" (Buffalo Duck). This piece is just another example of your fine style of writing and the comments are indicative of the high regard shown by your peers in the Den. As you know, I have been mired in my personal Slough of Despond, but am now roaring back and your friendship is one of the myriad of reasons for that.

Drugstore Cowboy

It's better to be safe than sorry. Since I've been hiding inside, I don't need a mask besides the one I wear every day.

VERY NICE!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva

"To mask or not to mask? That is the (good) question." And great lines/thoughts in verse, as we venture into the "masked" new (or not so new) world right now. Some of us are not giving up the "social setting veil" wearing (a coping strategy), yet. Whether wearing a face mask becomes an officially recommended fact of life, or not, at this point, we're not sure. However, it's (probably) time to think about, and given the shortage of protective equipment for the frontline health workers, it's important we save surgical masks for them. The cloth masks seem an option.

"But does wearing them even matter?" Well, although wearing mask can potentially help prevent the spread of an infection, it should be considered an add-on, not a replacement for social distancing and hand hygiene... which have been proven to be effective in "flattering the curve", and keeping us away from the hospital's door.

Someone told me that you only wear a mask when you're sick so your germs won't get to the other person. The mask is not there to protect us from catching other people's germs. Well, I have not been wearing it so far, I find it too much restriction on my face.

Sandie

The sad truth is, we can take every precaution in the book, and still end up sick.

Against my druthers, I'd not wear one as I believe they're germ collectors. However, the governor of my state has urged we do in public. My public outings for necessities will be nil until absolutely necessary.

I so wish I had one of here. I go to the pharmacy every day for a mask and they never have them. Enjoyed your poem, Ron, timely and informative.

You are so right. There are many kinds of masks, some for good, some not for good. But the masks being sewn by so many are yet another sign that we understand we are all in this together and are willing to stick together whatever comes. They're a sign of hope as much as a form of protection.

Rebecca

Praying that you are staying well, Ron. All clear here, so far.
Trying to keep it that way, mask or no mask.
Blessings.

Yes, Ron, there are many types of masks people wear depending on the lie to be hid, the masquerade, and now, this "invisible killer'". I'm waiting for that "all clear," bell but know it will be a while yet. As we follow the "rules" and an antidote is found I believe we will all walk into a different world on many levels. Great write, as usual!!

Love ya!

Jane

Great poetic truth, Ron! My wife is a nurse and she says if you are not sick, you do not need to wear a mask. Then she says too many people do not wear their mask properly and germs can collect in the mask if it is not cleaned. So, like anything else, if you can't do it right your probably better off not doing it at all. Amen...

OF COURSE IT MATTERS, RON, OTHERWISE WORLD HEALTH WOULDN'T SAY THAT EVERYONE SHOULD WEAR THEM, BUT...WHO CAN FIND EM? SO, I GUESS THE BOTTOM LINE IS; IT'S REALLY LEFT UP TO THE INDIVIDUAL. I LIVE IN A SENIOR CITIZENS BUILDING AND I WENT OUT YESTERDAY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER TWO WEEKS(I'M A HIBERNATOR ANYWAYS)AND BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE A MASK I DIDN'T WEAR ONE. MANAGEMENT DUTIFULLY EXPLAINED OVER THE INTERCOM WHAT THE WORLD ALREADY FULLY KNOWS AND IS EXPERIENCING; THAT THERE JUST AREN'T ENOUGH TO GO AROUND. MY FACILITY HAS ALWAYS HAD MEDICAL PERSONNEL ON STAFF ANYWAYS. BUT NOW TEMPS ARE TAKEN OF ALL UPON ENTERING MY BUILDING AND IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL NEEDS HAVE TO COME FIRST. SO...I'M BACK IN MY APARTMENT FOR ANOTHER 2 WEEKS(OR MORE)AND I WILL NOT BE WEARING A MASK....AND THERE YOU GO. THANKS FOR THE SHARE. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Well done, Ron. Thank you for sharing this apt and timely poem. Love, peace, and best wishes,

Regis 🍁

Nice poem! We writers are busy with therapy writing, but we should try Letters to the Editor to demand more medical masks for health care workers. The masks look nice. Wearing one gives a sense of protection. However, the experts say the mask protects others from you, if you happen to be a carrier. Keeps you from breathing on the veggies at the grocery store. How considerate! Maybe they do help.