Getting Used to Life With COVID-19
A poem about the changes in our everyday lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic and dealing with it.
In the blink of an eye, normalcy of life faded away.
Many sudden changes, in just a matter of days.
Our daily rituals affected and moods dampened.
The year only just begun. Seriously, what the hell happened?
This epidemic is like a bad dream I want to wake up from.
It seems like staying in, not going out, is the new norm.
Many nations locked down, restricting entry, not letting the unchecked go by.
Daily, the news show growing numbers; I shake my head and let out a heavy sigh.
Spreading like wildfire, we must find ways to stop this virus contamination.
As it is vile and relentless—affecting all without discrimination.
But what’s more deadly than this biological monstrosity,
Is the propagation of hate, fear, and anxiety.
We’re facing an invisible enemy—it is only human to be scared.
Our instincts lead the masses to panic buy, thinking ‘we must be prepared!’.
To those stockpiling masks, sanitisers, toilet rolls, and other various supplies,
In doing so, we forget the disregarded—can such behaviour be justified?
Schools cancelled, businesses affected, many jobs and livelihood at stake,
I don’t know what else this greedy virus wants to take.
We already shifted from offices, to operate from home and doing calls on Zoom,
With each passing day and lack of actual human interaction, I sense more gloom.
I gotta admit. It’s not easy to get used to this new way of living.
Maybe what I need is reframing? See it as a test or trial—not just surviving.
Take notice of my feelings and emotions, for that oughta be the first step.
Then find ways in our daily schedule in which we can creatively adapt.
The duration of this situation is unlikely to be brief,
Let’s support one another in dealing with uncertainty, this grief.
It’s okay to reminiscence good times, the moments we had prior.
Perhaps it’s an opportunity to take stock and be grateful, instead of desire.
I’ll do my part, #stayhome, and be socially responsible.
Let’s #flattenthecurve, slow the spread, so that our societies may recover.
Inconvenient and uncomfortable social distancing measures are put in place,
But bear with it for the meantime. Let’s do it, for the human race.
To all our unsung heroes valiantly facing challenging battles every day — from healthcare workers, cleaners, grocery store workers, to everyday folks supporting one another in their communities; a big thank you for bravery, kindness, and your service to all our people.
