The Pandemic That Was And Is

By Desiree Marisa Fernandes

As the world comes to a grinding halt

And the sea of humanity is reduced to grains of salt

Equipped with all the expertise and talent

Our scope in combating this pandemic lays latent.

Sitting behind the closed doors

Our job demands of us so much more

Tending to the needs of the elderly who lay forlorn

Our lives are enmeshed and far too torn.

Walking the tightrope and juggling many roles

We try to fit in and just about miss the goal

Deemed as misfits we try to decipher our identity

Doubts of integrity question our vulnerability.

The brazen truth of deaths by the hour

Has staggered businesses and scattered us a far

Sealing borders, quarantining and enforcing laws

Will these curfews seal all the flaws?

As the medical staff and task forces race against the clock

It’s imperative we follow advisories instead of merely battling shocks

Is this how we are beckoned to heed?

And destined to suffer for our misdeeds?

By Desiree Marisa Fernandes