As late winter turned to spring, the nation readied itself for the fallout of a global pandemic the likes of which had not been seen in over a century.

Michigan, the northern state shaped like a mitten, was hit particularly hard by the novel coronavirus. In response, the Governor ordered an emergency 'stay-at-home' order, closing schools, workplaces, and other institutions deemed 'non-essential.' As a part of that order, people were urged to stay away from each other, and to wear masks when out in public.

"Flatten the curve" was the rallying cry. The idea was to slow the spread of infection; to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed. The mission was necessary, clear, and people willingly complied.

The number of new cases of infection peaked in early April, and have been declining ever since. The curve was successfully flattened and hospitals were never overwhelmed.

Despite this success, the 'stay-at-home' orders remained. Restrictions on buying things like paint and seeds for planting were put in place. Boating and traveling between residences was prohibited. Not wearing a mask was branded as 'selfish,' as was attending church, and suggesting the Governor's orders be lifted.

While all of this was going on, on the 19th of May, after days of heavy rainfall, the Edenville dam in the middle part of the state collapsed. 10,000 residents were displaced, and nearby Wixom lake was completely drained.

The lines "fight for air," "sell you your own breath of air," were written on May 25, the same day that George Floyd died after being detained by a Minneapolis police officer. Video of the incident is horrific. While I was unaware of the incident at the time of this writing, it's inclusion here is eerily apropos.

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