The following poem by Lawrence Fray from Gurugram was selected as a commendable mention in Wingword Poetry Prize 2020
Covid keeps us apart.
When permitted, going out is an adventure
With masks and latex gloves.
We must remember to keep our distance,
Not to gather in groups;
When queuing, to maintain a gap of two metres.
Not to touch surfaces
And to go home without delay. Even better
To stay indoors unless
We have good reason or in an emergency
Forcing us to travel.
So our days unravel.
The days are hot, humid;
We look up expectantly at the Delhi sky
For the weather to break
And the beautiful rain to fall and bring relief
From the oppressive heat.
Those who can, pray; a few believe, everyone hopes.
So it has always been.
Power cuts are more frequent as we stay confined,
Cut off in a war zone,
Besieged by a foe that does not discriminate,
That shows no prejudice:
Everyone's nemesis.
Heavy clouds oppress us
The air is still, the leaves on the trees mutely beg,
Their palms open, waiting.
The stifling heat oppresses, Covid stalks the land:
Unholy alliance
That sweeps people from the streets and sometimes from life,
Keeping us trapped in fear.
It is clear we cannot return to former days.
Complacency has gone;
We live in a locked down world of uncertainty.
Now we must change our lives:
Needs must as devil drives.
We do not meet with friends,
Family and colleagues; we stay in touch by phone.
The ceiling fans circle,
Cleaving the palpable air, mindlessly spinning.
We remain in our shelters
And wait for the All Clear signal that does not come
Like the absent showers.
We need to refine and redefine once normal
Parameters of life,
Redraw the maps by which we navigated years
In accustomed fashion:
With post-Covid passion.
The monsoon rains are late;
The grey sky withholds it's blessings from the parched ground
While the plague stalks about;
A dystopian vision made reality.
Fake news proliferates;
There are opinions, discussions, talks and debates,
But there are no answers.
The decision makers, those who have influence,
Responsibility,
Are often seen washing their hands. They sanitise,
While we must watch and wait:
We should recalibrate.