Pandemic piety proposes, and imposes, nonstop gratitude

Placatory proffering of thanks and awesomes, wows and really greats

Primitive emotion-lotion — if we all just bend down low, appreciate

whatever. . .maybe all the bad stuff, all the punishment, will go away?

So thank you, thanks so much for my very sudden fall today

Rushing down the city street to do a (timely/kindly/semi-saintly) act

mind distracted by yet another looming obligation to try to be of help

(to someone testy, harsh, and for those reasons all the more in need)

my sandal sought a secret sidewalk crack! and bang I fell full length

laid out face down, smashed forehead first on pallid grey cement,

brief summer dress shoved up, way up, bunched up above my waist

limbs frozen numb, no instant sense how deep wound-bruising went

Sugared thanking shows up quick, our instant lemonade —

Nice man braked! stopped his blue car, cried out, concerned for me!

Despite crash pain, within mere seconds getting up! felt quite unhurt!

Turned out one leg was bleeding, but. . .no bloodstains on my dress!

No rips! and best of all, a far-off memory awoke, quick fluttered in —

dark-haired, grey-eyed Antje, soignée lady we once knew

went to a naughty nightclub with my parents, so long ago in France

We eager offspring heard the tale a thousand times

how wild the dark place was — traditions there, turned out

included waiters brusquely yanking up some ladies' fancy frocks

as they flowed slowly through the crowded late-night joint

and, that dark night, dark Antje was the chosen one

Seems my sweet mother, just one step back, shrieked, horrified—

Seems Antje said 'Sank god am wearing my best lingerie tonight'

Smiled calmly, strode forth, coolly took her seat.

My underwear, displayed today — well, not my very best

no doubt not up to Antya's European élégance

Still nice enough, by chance a silky-soft pale pretty pink

not too naked, trimmed all around with matching lace

So as I realized that most of rearview me was outside, full exposed

struck down low so sudden on that busy gritty city street

shock seconds blurring past while I lay hurt, dimmed, stunned

before I strove, stretched, pushed up, untangled limbs & careful rose

Didn't really feel embarrassed! even had a silent timetrip laugh

so, really great, wow, awesome, thanks so v much for that.