The Virus

Began so promising As thoughts of a new year approached Some called it a year of new beginnings and clarity That 20/20 vision of sorts Unknown and foreign You found your origins in a faraway land Yet soon enough, you would break the barriers of Race, class, religion, and international borders YEAH! You’re indiscriminate Lock down, shut down and shortages A daily struggle we endured The knowledge of your existence, coupled with fear Put the world on notice that we were in control of NOTHING You wrestled even the healthiest to their breaking point Them now depending on machines to inhale and exhale You took the weakest and oldest, showing no mercy Masks, gloves, tissue, sanitizer; even Lysol and Clorox Became luxury items Almost two years later Vaccinations, side effects and still, MASKS Are a daily reminder that Covid made it’s way to every point of the world And still; we are in control of NOTHING December 30, 2021 Contest: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Poetry Contest Sponsor: Robert James Liquori