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Writer's pictureShelby Coppola

Pandemonium

I found this poem in my 'notes' application. It laughed as I read it because of the absurdity of its' truth. As we enter the fourth anniversary since the dark days of the pandemic, it's clear COVID-19 will continue to affect us and the generations follow. What we collectively experienced was wild, inexplicable even and that's putting it mildly. What matters is that we were together even in our separation. We used the tools we had to stay connected even if it was simply virtual. Hopefully we can look back at parts of that experience and muster a laugh. It might be 'over', but we are still dealing with the repercussions.


 

Homemade face masks, 2020 fashion.

Suspended alternate side parking for the next 2 weeks—and for 2 after that.

Limited groceries. 2 per person.

I’m going to make my own bread!

Where’s the yeast at?

Should I wash this? Grab the bleach. Where’d all the toilet paper go?

The next episode will begin in 5 seconds, are you still

watching Tiger King?

Stay away from family

Shelter in place until after Easter

Empty airplanes.

Mass unemployment.

Where’s my stimulus check?

Taxes postponed till July 15th.

No more Lysol wipes to be found.

Price gouging in abundance.

Empty shelves in every Pharmacy

Plexi glass dividers between worker and customer

Don’t forget your gloves,

Or hand sanitizer,

Give yourself room for grace

Cry and scream, then binge more TV

Gross paranoia.

At least I can go spend time in a park.

Did that guy running really just

hock a loogie on the sidewalk?

It's airborne! Wear your mask everywhere!

I’m going to hold my breath until ipassbythesepeople.

Freezer trucks line the NYC street.

Working from home day... I’ve lost count.

Reminder: stay inside don’t leave your house.

Damn, I wish I didn’t have to go to a laundromat.

Rooftop access— denied.

Sunday brunch brigades— postponed

Don’t touch or think about hugging

Take each day moment to moment,

FaceTime with friends for virtual happy hours

Workout live on Instagram

Commit to healing and eating better

Read the dust-covered books on your shelf

Learn a new language

Plant a garden.




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Guest
Mar 14

That brought back so many memories.

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