22 April 2020 | NPM Poetry Webslam

The Coronavirus
by Baylie Jett Mills
 
Just a few months ago we had never heard
Of the virus that now sweeps the globe like a bird.
The virus that changed the way that we greet
And makes it difficult to find the food that we eat.
 
Just a short time ago we never dreamed
That our whole nation would be quarantined.
The grocery stores are crowded, yet the shelves are all bare
And now finding toilet paper has become rare.
 
Just a while ago we never believed
A pandemic could strike that would leave us all grieved.
A pandemic that makes us all wash our hands well
When we return from searching the stores for Purell.  
 
 
Just a few weeks ago we never knew
That a virus existed more lethal than flu.
A virus that makes us stock up on food
And social distance ourselves from the face-masked old dude.
 
Just a few months ago we never feared
That our bottled water would have disappeared.
Panic has set in and everyone feels stress
As they listen with interest to the president’s address. 
 
But as hopeless as things look amid all the fear
I am confident America can persevere.
We have overcome crises before this one came
But our world undoubtedly will never be the same.
 
If we all stay on lockdown
And keep surfaces clean,
I truly believe
We will beat COVID-19.

Baylie Jett Mills is a Bakersfield resident and the author of The Adventures of Max children’s book series available for purchase online at Amazon.com and at local bookseller Russo’s Books.