The Year The World Stood Still
“I rang in the new year with hope in my heart;
An opportunity, the next decade, a needed fresh start.
Shortly thereafter, news broke, of a mysterious disease;
Reality set it in. A pandemic. A worldwide catastrophe.
Overnight, schools announced they are closed;
Parents turned teacher navigate this new road.
Churches, synagogues, temples have now gone online;
Many workers told to stay home at this time.
The ‘must-have’ accessory we all don is masks;
Now a “quick” errand entails a socially distant few hour task.
Appointments rescheduled;
Wiped clear are our timetables.
Celebrations postponed;
Some smitten couples shall opt to elope.
Funerals for loved ones are cruelly denied;
Plans to see loved ones are set aside.
Empty playgrounds; where once children did sing;
Empty stadiums; ‘cause no one is playing.
So much sadness and so much grief;
I’m still numb, in disbelief.
However; even as the world stands still for now;
I realize that there is still good all around.
Nature’s begun to rejuvenate;
Healing back to its Eden-esque state.
Industrialization and pollution for centuries unrelenting;
This tiny reprieve, is what She’s been craving.
Our planet’s people are plagued by a viral disease;
It’s scary since it hinders how its victims breathe.
How ironic that this pause of daily operation;
Earth now can inhale her sweet, sweet oxygen.
Closer to home; I see the blessings too;
Time with family, and baking the odd loaf of sourdough- or two
My son has met milestones, my daughter no longer a baby;
My eldest just wrapped up SK this morning.
I’ve seen kindness; heard laughter, and squeals of delight;
There’s no end to creativity, even though in close quarters we sometimes fight.
This year while an absolute zoo;
It’s reminded me what matters most for me and for you.
Keeping things simple and slowing things down;
Can bring such peace and where there is peace, joy can be found.
So even as the world stands still for now; I realize there is still good all around.
The year the world stood still.”
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