Unseen

We live in strange times!

The covid cull

has taken the old

and the weak

but no one could

have predicted

the havoc

it would wreak

across the globe.

 

A pallid fear

has gripped

the world

as draconian measures

stopped the clocks

and into the abyss

many futures hurled,

careers unfurled.

 

Just who can say

we'll be protected,

a vaccine found,

as we struggle

to comprehend

deep inflicted wounds

that no one understands,

just wash your hands?

 

Destitution rates

will double

we are told

as the fall out from

this pandemic unfolds,

something we can't ignore

as people fall from grace,

all of society shaken

to its very core.

 

So where will we be

this year or next?

Still fearing strangers,

still hiding behind masks,

avoiding the dangers

unheard and unseen

that lurk all around

unclean, unclean!

 

14/09/20

Author's Note

Reviews

[Ladysue]

The virus did put a damper on everything. Took joy away not to mention all else. Would like to think and hope it truly is on its way out but not sure that’s the case. Many unknowns. A write for the ages John.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Ladysue. I think it has been overplayed to the cost of everyone to save a few lives that would mostly have been lost anyway. I would rather die from it that condemn so many more people to die from other illnesses that have gone untreated or those thrown into destitution, poverty and struggle for survival.

[barleygirl]

Your poem hits hard on many of the points we're all wondering about, as you make your way slowly to the grand finale of your message (it feels like you're hemming & hawing a little bit, as if you hate to have to put it into words): how bad will the new normal be? I remember in recent years when some eastern countries were wearing masks all the time for one outbreak or another & I would see video clips & think this is an unreal state of existence. It wasn't something I ever imagined as being a new normal all around the globe. I still have that feeling of disbelief when I see video clips with everyone in masks, everywhere! I live in the wilderness & becuz people don't go too close to other people out here, we never wear masks. I never see masks in my everyday life, so it's still quite a shock to see how life is unfolding "out there" (as if the real world is a different planet from the one I'm on). Your poem conveys this feeling of being flabbergasted, but not stated in dramatic terms . . . instead you kinda tiptoe up to the level of being dumbfounded (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you as always Margie. I guess 'new normal' is a euphemism for we have no choice. I guess you are fortunate to be out of it all but even you need to go to the store?

[barleygirl]

I'm housebound. I haven't been to town in 7 years! I order everything online or grow it!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Virus free then Margie. Fresh air (when it's not burning), great surroundings, what's not to like!

[Abhilash Hegde]

Well expressed, John. Your descriptions, fears, fallouts of this pandemic - all are pertinent.
Truly, we live in strange times - covid times. It's unimaginable to see how things have unfolded in past few months and we still don't know what's more to come and how it 'll all be at the end of this pandemic. But for sure, world has endured, changed and will never be the same as before again.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Agreed Abhilash but look at Sweden! Many thank yous.

[Abhilash Hegde]

Yup, they did well- Swedes !

[Space]

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic really ruined all of us, especially for those people who died because of it. In my own opinion, it should've been a requirement to wear a mask every time we go outside because masks could save not just your lives but others too.

Apparently, the virus was just getting worst and it was very sad to see other people who is been struggling both financially and emotionally. COVID-19 really is s**t but I do believe that everything has a purpose.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Can't blame you for feeling that way about Covid-19 but I like your philosophy that everything has a purpose. Incidentally look at what has happened in Sweden where they had no lock down and do not wear masks! Many thanks for your comment.

[Kari Rakitan]

I keep having horrible dreams about being in a crowd without a mask in sight. Our respiratory holes are private parts now, plain and simple. Every movie that shows human respiratory holes is now porn. My profile picture is hentai.

Frankly, I would rather see penises, n*****s, and vulvas in public than respiratory holes. Penises, n*****s, and vulvas don't sneeze. Merely looking at them poses no risk to my health. If I want to sit on a clean surface, I can bring a little cushion to sit upon like we did back in Girl Scouts and throw it in the laundry when I get home. Not so with people spewing droplets into the air. Your mask is for my protection, and my mask is for your protection.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Not sure this poem is about masks but your opinion is a strong one and you obviously are worried about Covid-19. Thanks for reading Kari.

[Chris Shaw]

You raise real questions with this topical poem John. Covid will create even more division than there has ever been before. I fear the job losses and the follow on from that, yet alone the fear of contracting the virus itself. Well written as usual.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

It is a topic that seems to be with us 24 hours a day it seems Chris. At least the press seems to think we need it in our faces. Many thanks for your kind comments.

[Chris Shaw]

Difficult to escape it. Entrenched in everything we do :(

[Coyote Poetry]

The truth or lies. My opinion. They do not know how the coronaviras is moving. More unanswered questions then true. I believe, worst days are a-coming. Powerful and worthwhile thoughts shared my friend.
Coyote

[John Alexander McFadyen]

You may be right but I tend to think the worst is over even though we will be living with this for some time to come. Many thanks Coyote John.

[Coyote Poetry]

We will find out soon. The open states in USA, dying in bunches. Texas, California and Florida will keep the sickness alive. You are welcome my friend.

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

Seems like we are thrown in the ocean of confusion as the unexpected keep shocking the world. We helplessly keep dragging our legs along the path we don't understand. We don't know if this year anarchy is just a thriller of what is yet to come or would die down with time.

We are all here, pondering behind the unseen.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed we are. At least it seems there is a global understanding that this is the unknown. Many thanks Kay.