Surges of the Heart

Attention, residents:

Effective immediately,

we hereby address

the recent surges,

visible manifestations,

collective displays of human longing.

*

Please be advised.

Shared grief is imminent,

a sentiment no longer concealed.

Observe with caution.

Heartstrings aglow,

strands of sorrow

running through the heart of our days.

*

Unauthorized gatherings

are hereby prohibited,

as the burden of loss swells

like tides upon a barren shore.

We notice the anomalies,

dampened laughter, shimmering eyes,

and silent crowds speaking

into the void.

*

It has come to our attention

that emotional disturbances are peaking,

an overwhelming tide

of longing, of connection,

of aching humanity

made manifest,

impossible to regulate.

*

Report any instances

of shared remembrance,

moments where grief takes form.

A statue of tears at the corner café,

an uproarious laugh,

quaking as it breaks,

lingering softly until it ceases.

*

To be clear,

policy states hearts must hold

what they can.

Limited quantities are advised,

but we cannot guarantee space

for dreams unspoken

or for burdened souls.

Our official boundaries mean little

when sorrow spills over,

leaking into the light.

*

We encourage you to redirect

these floods into art.

Coat your grief in color.

Transform it through the rhythms of your breath.

Yet report back any disturbances.

We must maintain the order

of this collective heartache

to mitigate the overflow

that brings us to our knees.

*

Citizens are reminded

that feeling too much

is inappropriate conduct.

And yet,

should you cross paths

with another soul

lost within the mass,

share your burden.

Let it rise.

Dissolve the barriers

founded on too tightly held fears.

*

In conclusion,

remain vigilant, remain distant,

but hold the human bond.

Refuse to sever.

For the anomalies

are but reflections

of us,

daring to confront

the uncontainable night.

*

Advisory ends,

Thank you for your cooperation.

Stay safe.

Stay human.