In the Far Off Land of China

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This poem follows the journey and effects of the Coronavirus on the U.S.A.

The Battle Hymn of the Republic was the rallying song for the United States of America during the Civil War. It was written and published the first time in February 1862; shortly after the war began.  

I woke up this morning, about 4:00 AM with the Battle Hymn on my mind and thought I would try to write words pertaining to our war on the Coronavirus, to be sung to the tune of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. I have been working on it for almost five hours and would appreciate your comments on my attempt.

I hope I haven't diminished the seriousness of the original words with the humor, I have used at times, in this attempt.

In the Far Off Land of China
(To the tune of the Battle Hymn of the Republic)
By Franklin Price
03/28/2020

In the Far off land of China
Many thousand miles away
The Coronavirus then invaded
Its first human on that day
It became highly contagious
As it traveled on it's way
Its dangers not yet done

Had this been two hundred years ago
Would have stayed across the sea
Not have flown itself around the world
And come for you and me
Delivered to us overnight
Was this Virus we can't see
And it spreads across the land

Chorus
Coronavirus is among us 
If we unite it won't defeat us
In its course it may deplete us
Let us strive to make that few

The President has led the way
Through this entire thing
Even though the left and media
Call him a ding-a ling
He's tried to do what's best for us
Give us hope for which to cling
We've not been this way before

He shut down all the borders
Sent the non-essentials home
Organized a varied task force
To address this virus gnome
Through it all his hair looks good
No need to use a comb
Hair products do the deed


Chorus

Stocks were at their highest
Before we sang this virus song
Then the rich began their dumping
Which to me seems very wrong
Could have had some patience
Until time had moved along
The gains for three years gone

Unemployment at its lowest
Than it was for many years
The economy was booming
Lots of smiles not many tears
Then coronavirus came along
Laying off has brought on fears
Giving up's not who we are

Chorus

Each of  us must fight it
In the best way that we can
Must sequester in our houses 
Not be with our fellow man
For it spreads by social closeness
So we have to travel ban
Still the virus marches on

Wash your hands and do it often
While you sing the birthday song
Don't touch your face or shake a hand
As you daily move along
Keep your distance when you're passing
Being safe is never wrong
We must slow this virus down

Chorus

The medical community
Put their lives out on the line
Saving ours by risking theirs
Could be even yours and mine
We must fight this thing together
To overcome it and be fine 
That's what we all must do

There are many industries
That supply us with our need
We still must have our food chain
For our hungry mouths to feed
Farmers, truckers, grocers, 
 Utilities cannot be freed 
The police and many more

Chorus

Millions have been laid off
For they're not allowed to work
Not needed for essentials
Their employment's just a perk
It is coronavirus,
 Not employer, that's the jerk
The bills must still be paid

The Hill in all its wisdom
Knew that Covid was at fault
Passed a bill that helps the people
And they opened up the vault
Money now, for workers' aid
Brings starvation to a halt
We're moving right along

Chorus

We've now been in our quarantine
A couple weeks and more
The deaths and cases growing
Just in case you're keeping score
Be patient for a little while
Don't go outside your door
And we'll shut this virus down

You may be getting crazy
From isolation getting stir
There's data being analyzed
To return us to where we were
To get us back to work again
Sometime soon that could occur
As we find what must be done

Chorus

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