Poetry Monday: The Pandemic ... and Funnies

It's Poetry Monday, and this week's topic, courtesy of baili at Baili And I, is ... THE PANDEMIC.

Join Diane, MotherOwl, Mimi, our contributors in the comments, and me, as we address our thoughts and feelings on this life-altering piece of history through which we are now living.

You can leave your poem in the comments or post on your own blog; if you do the latter, please also drop a note in the comments so we can find your blog and read your poem and shout encouragement. Or whisper, whichever you prefer :)

Use the topic, or choose another: it's all good. The idea is to use our brains, and have fun - although perhaps "satisfaction" is a better description when we are feeling more serious about our subject matter.

Feel free to contribute a poem by another author if you wish (giving credit to the writer). I like seeing what you enjoy in the way of poetry and it's a good chance to find new authors.

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This poem was difficult to write, not because I didn't know what to say, but - curiously - because I kept flipping back and forth from seriousness to silliness. It's far easier for me to write silly things than serious ones.

But eventually seriousness won out because I kept thinking of all the people who have died - unnecessarily, it seems to me. If the world's leaders had all listened to the advice which experts in infectious diseases have been trying to give them for decades now, there would have been plans in place for just such a pandemic. In fact, plans were even made in some cases and simply not used soon enough.

And, of course, if the world had worked together to give a hand up to countries where everyday life is a struggle and health care is poor, this pandemic would not be savaging those countries today.

All those things grieve me, as they grieve many of you, and it is hard to accept that perhaps the only thing we can do right now is be cautious and protect ourselves and those around us in order to conserve whatever healthcare resources are available wherever we may live.

Remember: They also serve who only stand and wait. (John Milton, When I Consider How My Light Is Spent)  We do what we can.


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You're Doing Great; Please Keep It Up

This virus has us all on edge
We teeter on the jump-off ledge

Life's other woes are magnified
And far too many folks have died

It's easier by far to fight
The things that lie within our sight

Than try to dodge or try to flee
This foe's invisibility 

But over time we've learned to cope
We wash and wash our hands with soap

We check our health for signs of trouble
And keep within our six foot bubble

We wear our masks to safely breathe

And if we cough we use our sleeve

This virus will not last forever

In years to come, things will get better

Our thanks go out to all who strive

To keep the at-risk folks alive

Now let's stay strong to crush the curve

For in this way we also serve

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And because I can also see the silliness in some of the circumstances surrounding the pandemic, here's something to lighten the mood.

Pandemic funnies.

*****

Wishing you a healthy, happy week.

Next week's topic will be ..... BUGS! Very fitting here in the northern hemisphere as we enter summer and bug life has exploded :) Thanks, Diane!