Home » Poems » Emile Pinet » Wuhan's Wet Market

Notes About The Poem

Quintain (Sicilian}
A Quintain (Sicilian) poem rhymes the end of the first line with the last words in the third and fifth lines . The last word of the second line rhymes with the ending of the fourth line giving this style of poem a unique rhythm of a,b,a,b,a. No rules regarding meter or line length.

Wuhan's Wet Market

We've experienced pandemics before
but the COVID-19 virus is new.
This coronavirus we can't ignore
so self-quarantine, we're told we need to,
it’s not safe to socialize anymore.

The whole world abruptly ground to a halt
as airlines and cruise ships swiftly shut down.
And although China claims it's not at fault
established in Wuhan's wet market town,
this strain gained the leverage to pole-vault.

The stock market plunges deeper each day
and the economy's in a tailspin.
Politicians practiced at what they say,
seem somewhat vague about the peril we're in,
fearing this virus could be here to stay.

Every city’s rush hour traffic is light
resembling a twilight-zone episode. 
Bars and restaurants are locked up tight
and all normal activities have slowed,
as folks shelter in place dealing with fright.

People's lives and livelihoods are at stake
with the elderly at more risk than most.
This virus bequeaths turmoil in its wake
and using current stats as a guidepost,
it'll take distancing to stop this outbreak.


(Quintain Sicilian)


03/20/2020

10th grade11th gradeangstquintain (sicilian)

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.