Ghost Economies

before the vaccine, but after the shortage of Purell

Past the time of empty stores, shelves
scoured of paper towels, bleach or alcohol

we planned a garden, but didn’t factor in
shortages of seed. We had two spades,

a shovel, all the dirt we’d ever need, but
the beans, the keepers – Scarlet Runner,

Pink Barlotti, Jacob’s Cattle, lovely as a painted flock
– on every site, in every state, back-ordered.

Out of stock. Feeding ourselves would
have to wait. The factories stayed open

while we stayed home and stockpiled cans.
The harvest needed gathering, so other people

sweated behind flimsy masks OSHA
AWOL God will check on them when he can

Study fabric’s permeability, flannel
vs. calico Silk is good. Cut up your ties

or wait for the mulberry to bloom.
Buy silkworm eggs, just keep them warm

In thirty days they’re near mature. Steam
or boil whole. I must confess – the pupae

are all killed, but efficiency’s the goal.
Ahimsa would take so much time

The profit’s so much less