Michael Ponnambalam Poet Rhyme

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A Conversation With Coronavirus

Rhyme:         AABB
Rhythm:        Trochaic tetrameter. i.e.,                                                             
Each line as:  BAH-bah BAH-bah BAH-bah BAH-bah

 1    “Hi, Corona, thy name means crown.   
	But all thy deeds in pain us drown.
	Many losing jobs, homes and hope,	
	Are not sure how they now will cope.	

2 	For months schools and colleges closed,
	For us many problems have posed.
	Online class is not fun, my friend.
	Good if soon it comes to an end.

3	Deaths one million by September.
	Scary number to remember!
	Why hast thou become a killer?
	Please, leave us, mad graveyard filler!”

      
4     “I am only a messenger.
	Neither killer, nor avenger.
	Many see me as an evil.
       	But the wise will see my goodwill.

5	God, your great and loving Father,
	Sees you drifting from Him farther.
	Fun and entertainment centered,
       	You are now much conscience blunted.

6	Money you chase; but not wisdom,
	Depth in spirit, or God’s Kingdom.
	With your science  and tech power,
       	You think you're a mighty tower.

7	God sent me to help you to see
	Powerless how you are. Hence flee
	From all your sins. Follow God’s way.
       	Then I'll fly away, as you say.”

Posted:    20 October 2020
Updated:  22 November 2020

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Tania Kitchin August 23, 2026 at 11:28 AM Michael, a great poem. it was a scary time in 2020 with the corona virus hit. We lost a family member due to this virus. I did not contract it for a few years until last year and I was quite ill but recovered quickly. Michael Ponnambalam August 24, 2026 at 4:37 AM Dear Tania, Thanks a lo for your kind comment. Sad to read: " last year I was quite ill but recovered quickly." May God bless you with a joy-filled, grace-filled and health-filled life. Amen. M.J. Ponnambalam

Princess Susi Etelagi September 7, 2025 at 4:50 PM I loved it nice piece of writing!! Michael Ponnambalam September 8, 2025 at 3:22 AM Thanks a lot, Princess Susi Etelagi, for your kind feedback. Glad that you enjoyed it. God bless you.

Sami Al-Khalili December 23, 2024 at 7:52 AM Even when written about, I squint like I’m about to take a hit. Like how societies took the hit, a huge hit from this epidemic. It’s hard even to read which may mean we need to write about it more. Thank you for the read. Michael Ponnambalam January 1, 2025 at 4:09 AM Thanks Sami Al-Khalili, for your kind words. Sorry for the delayed reply. You have written: "We need to write about it more." You are 100% right. I don't think humanity has learnt a good lesson from COVID-19.

Joanna Davis March 6, 2022 at 11:48 PM Thank you for a wonderful thought provoking poem. Michael Ponnambalam April 23, 2022 at 3:29 AM Thanks a lot, Jo Davis, for your kind words.

Donna Roberts December 19, 2021 at 7:37 AM Pleased to meet you! Nice that you were able to master the audio, as well God Blese Michael Ponnambalam April 23, 2022 at 4:02 AM Thanks a lot, Donna. Sorry for the delayed reply. God bless you & guide you.

Ann Peck October 12, 2021 at 1:39 PM Michael, Your poem is thought-provoking. I trust God to remain a loving God. I believe humans (or animals) cause viruses. However we got it, it has totally disrupted our lives! I enjoyed your poem. Michael Ponnambalam April 23, 2022 at 4:17 AM Sorry, Ann, for the delay in this reply. Your words: "I trust God to remain a loving God." These are wonderful. Diseases are a part of life. But, they become blessings in disguise to those who love God. "All things work together for good to those who love the Lord." (Romans 8:28). "An obstacle in the pathway of the weak becomes a stepping-stone in the pathway of the strong." (Thomas Carlyle)

Karen Jones September 13, 2021 at 7:57 AM Very clever and insightful thanks for sharing. Michael Ponnambalam October 4, 2021 at 5:47 AM Thanks a lot, Karen, for your kind feedback. The poem is an outburst from the depth of my heart.

Mahtab Bangalee June 20, 2021 at 9:42 PM what a great conversation; it's excellent really; thrilling in consciousness; just love it Michael Ponnambalam October 4, 2021 at 5:44 AM Thank you very much, Mahtab Bangalee, for your kind words. As you have mentioned, the poem is indeed an outburst from my "consciousness."

Regina Mcintosh November 25, 2020 at 3:13 AM So sad and so true. ... If we could all turn back to God, we would all be better for it... God bless you my friend Michael Ponnambalam November 26, 2020 at 8:01 AM Thanks a lot, Regina, for your kind feedback. Nice to know that you agree with "my inner feelings about Corona."

John Watt October 30, 2020 at 6:16 PM Michael, I believe in the sovereignty of God, as you seem to also. Isaiah speaks of it in his 55th chapter: "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD. "As the heavens are above the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways". He is a God of love and he will work all things out to the good. It is good to make your acquaintance and read your poetry written from a scriptural perspective. God be with you ~ John Michael Ponnambalam October 30, 2020 at 10:36 PM John, Thanks a lot for your kind words of encouragement. During my ten years in the USA in the seventies, I enjoyed singing the hymn, "Seek the Lord, while He may be found," by Roc O'Connor. It is based on Isaiah 55: 6-9

Sally Eslinger October 25, 2020 at 4:08 PM Hi, I am Sally, and have shared your perspective. God could well help a willing and obedient population turn this horror into effect many good results worldwide. But, I do NOT think he caused or created the virus. Your rhyming is sophisticated so I e joyed it. Your love of language is obvious. Applause. You might like to check out the Virua article I wrote and posted under My Articles. Will like putting you on my Follow list Joe Maverick March 26, 2023 at 12:18 PM Interested to read the poem..I Agree with Sally..Not just Because its a stance I've taken But by personal experiences And warnings put out by grounded individuals some only Registering lateley in my mind and life.' I appreciate however how you both interact without rancour, a lesson to many in how to improve our lot while here.' Michael Ponnambalam October 26, 2020 at 3:52 AM Hi, Sally. Thanks for your feedback. I read your article "Poetics: Creativity And Inspiration." It was very good. Sad to read: "Two years ago I fell into a 7-day coma. I came out of it with Charles Bonnet syndrome." May God give you strength and comfort to deal with your problems. "All things work together for good to those who love the Lord." (Romans 8:28)

Michael Tor October 25, 2020 at 7:34 AM Excellent Michael bringing a biblical perspective to this madness. Praise God... Michael Ponnambalam October 25, 2020 at 8:39 AM Thanks a lot, Michael Tor. I am a strong believer in the following words of Shakespeare in "As You Like It." "And this our life, exempt from public haunt Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stones, and good in everything."

Silent One October 20, 2020 at 11:28 AM Great poem Michael Ponnambalam October 20, 2020 at 11:56 PM Thank you very much, Silent One.