‘Twas the Day of the Virus

By Susan M. Silver

The upcoming fifth anniversary of the official start of the COVID pandemic prompts us to reflect on the fall and rise of the ever-resilient Big Apple. This parody poem is a verbal snapshot of New York City during the eerie early days of the cataclysm, shortly after the close of schools and non-essential businesses.

‘Twas the Day of the Virus, and in Gotham throughout
Few creatures were stirring, few bikes were about.
Shoppers descended on TJ and Whole
To score sockeye salmon and toilet paper rolls.
The streets near abandoned, per Gov. Andrew,
Taxis and cars were lamentably few.
Yet despite the Corona and the fear it did bring
Daffodils, oblivious, embraced the sweet spring.
Goodbye, mocha lattes and avocado toast
The scene did seem scripted by Rod Serling’s ghost.
Goodbye, fashion shopping and trips to the gym
To linger near strangers was going out on a limb.
Families cloistered themselves from the terror
Sanitizing surfaces to avoid costly error.
In kitchens now doubling as makeshift workplaces
They came to know each other, beneath their faces.
The strange silence brought reflection and singular peace
This war will soon wane, and on life a new lease:
May jealousy end, may pettiness cease
May compassion and love, all encompassing,
All powerful, the ultimate bridge
Between us, at last be fully released.