Quarantine

Week after week.

Of nothing.

Sitting.

Outside.

In the snow.

Waiting.

For the first month

our group was separated from the others.

A prison within a prison.

Allowing time

fear

fatigue

to do what the Selections

had not.

Some girls went mad

laughter that was not merry.

Others stopped caring

hunger that turned to starvation.

Necha folded in on herself.

I’m tired,

she said.

I forced her

dragged her

cajoled her

to walk around the yard.

We must keep strong.

It will keep you warm.

If you walk with me,

I’ll share my bread with you.

Each week

fewer of us remained.

Waiting.

In the snow.

Outside.

Sitting.

For nothing.

Week after week.