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Original submission by the author

Flowing
In the air is a virus
One of discrimination
Picking and choosing 
Who it kills

It arose in the year
Of 2020
Brought to the surface
All over the media
They scream about it

I hide in my bed
Under thin covers
Cold and praying
To remain uninfected

Isolation
It makes me want
To wear a mask
Even when asleep
To play it safe
I do not want this virus
To spread upon me

Virus
Results in death
The virus called intolerance
Floyd took a knee for all of us

Disclaimer: The views in this article are those of the author. Prison Journalism Project has verified the writer’s identity and basic facts such as the names of institutions mentioned.

Heather D’Aoust is a nonbinary writer, artist and author of two books, who also publishes under the pen name Jeff-Free. A practicing Buddhist, D'Aoust is incarcerated in California.