How can it end: this tide of global flu?
We argued and refused to comprehend
the risks of gathering the way we do.
How can it end?

A quarantine of 40 days would send
the virus to its death – we know that’s true –
but we are too contentious to defend.

Our species moved to cities and we threw
away for trade our wisdom. We depend
on custom. Our abilities withdrew.
How can it end?

(Roundel)