2020 – The Unique Year
By Sonakshi Seetohul, London
We all know that 2020 will be unique
As days turn into weeks, then months
We near the end of the year
When lockdowns have taught us to value and appreciate whatever we have
At first we thought Covid-19 was a type of flu
And would soon go away
But it looks like it has come to stay
We listen to the government as we think they know what’s best
Stay at home and isolate is the request
Masked faces, sanitized hands and social distancing have become the norm
Grounded planes no longer leave
As the virus spreads from one country to another
Travel restrictions imposed on whatever holidays planned
Air travel and foreign holidays may become a distant memory
But we can still keep in touch with our friends and family far away
As we can use Zoom and WhatsApp to connect with loved ones abroad
Had it happened 20 years ago, life would have been different
No video calls or online shopping
In this great world of ours there is so much to see,
But all our streets are empty
Shops, pubs and theatres are closed
Usually bustling and full of sparkling lights
Especially as Christmas approaches
All music has ceased
All performances remain unclapped
History books will talk of the time the world stood still
At war with an enemy unseen –
A nasty bug called Covid-19
Hoping one day we shall step out of doors
Without sanitizing hands and putting masks on our faces
Walk down the streets,
Meet families and friends,
Enjoy a cup of coffee and maybe a slice of cake.
Dec 2020
* Published in print edition on 15 December 2020
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