In response to Bulbul’s 20 word story, I have written two tales…one happy and another sad.
Hectic lifestyle had taken a toll on Sachi’s life. Quarantine introduced her to her unknown self, which lay buried deep.
Tested positive and in quarantine, he could not attend his mother’s funeral. The feeling of absolute helplessness numbed his heart.
Happy to share that this poem is featured in prohzeonline publications.
Normally at this time of the year, the schools here in India, would witness a fusillade of squeals and chatter, welcoming the students after a two month vacation. The glee and excitement they feel on the opening day, is absolutely contagious. Dressed in a new uniforms, with new books, new classrooms, meeting old friends and new, they are all geared up to take on another academic year in their stride.
But alas, this year things seem to have gravitated from the normal. With uncertainty looming large in all aspects of life, and no clarity on how long this pandemic will last, schools have resorted to virtual classrooms with online classes for most of the grades. It is a huge adjustment for the teachers and the students alike. Everybody is desperately waiting for things to fall back to normalcy.
The deserted school waits in vain
for its classrooms to be filled,
with boisterous brats and nerdy brains,
innocent laughter that echoes to the corridors
tiny hands that crayon a masterpiece
the endless debates of the thinking minds
experiments, hobbies and art classes
assignments, projects and field trips
endless squabbles and punishment
the favourite teacher, the secret crush,
surprise tests, boring classes,
cheering buddies and bruised knees
pandemonium on playground,
innumerable memories created
within the periphery of school.
Today,
the languid souls confined to their rooms,
desperately try to focus on the lessons online
missing out on all the fun and learning.
Restless, they wait in anticipation
to step back into their classrooms
to fill the canvas of their school life
with bold strokes of joyful learning.
Unannounced attack
invisible enemy
global pandemic
an uphill battle
animated deeds of grace
unified efforts
buoyant humankind
ushers promise of new dawn
renewal of hope
Eugi’s weekly prompt : Renewal
Lock down has forced people to think of different ways to keep themselves creatively occupied. Be it reading, writing, cooking, a hobby, giving their home a makeover, are all on their ” to do lists” right now. Connecting back seems to be the underlying commonality between the various interests that people are pursuing. Basically they are returning to the roots, connecting better with nature, enjoying the sounds of chirps and chimes, (thanks to the absence of the loud honks), indulging in some soul therapy, rekindling long forgotten memories and bonding with family.
Hope we continue this connect, post this testing time for us.
Since World war II, we haven’t been impacted by a situation as serious as what we are facing today, at a global level. Corona has altered our lives beyond imagination.
Many countries across the world have announced lock downs and curfews. Borders, flights, offices, everything except essentials have been shut down to contain the spread of virus. While the government has constantly reassured that it is taking adequate measures to contain the pandemic, people are getting paranoid. With no clue as to how long the situation may drag on, there is a sense of fear prevalent among the masses.
Confined within homes, we have come to realize how much we depend on a chain of people who ensure the smooth functioning of a society. Each one like a piece of jigsaw puzzle fits in, to complete the picture. We all work in tandem, complementing each other and completing the loop. But there is one sector of workers whose value or importance we as a society have always undermined. They are the sanitary workers, sweepers and cleaners. Given the shutdown orders, we have a skeletal housekeeping staff for a huge apartment complex. So garbage pickup and cleaning is now being done on alternate days. With no maids too, the entire family is chipping in to help with household chores. It’s only now that people realize the things and luxuries that we take for granted. It’s time we acknowledge their service with gratitude.
After decades today a pause button has been pressed in our otherwise hurried lifestyle.
Let’s take this moment to acknowledge and appreciate all who directly or indirectly contribute in making our lives better.
Let’s channelize our minds to remain positive, join hands in prayer for the world to enter into a healing mode.
Pain, fear, experiences and overwhelming situations are great teachers in life.
Let’s hope that this challenging time, makes man emerge, a better human being!
Stay safe, stay blessed!
A minute virus brings the gigantic world to a halt!
In response to Linda’s one liner Wednesday!
Minuscule virus
casts panic in the world wide
schedules go haywire
man confined indoors
operation lock down called
stamped a pandemic
nature’s defense tool
to contain man’s ruthless greed
lessons to be learnt.
radhikasreflection 