An Ode to 2020

 

                  2020 IN HINDSIGHT

 

Twas the year 2020, when all through the land,

A global pandemic swept through unplanned.

Lives put on hold per the stay-at-home order,

Trying to stop germs from crossing the border.

Corona no longer just a Mexican beer,

Now it’s a deadly virus the world does fear.

Citizens in lockdown, trapped in quarantine,

Scientists scrambling for an effective vaccine.

Wash your hands, wear a mask, stay six feet apart,

And when you go shopping, disinfect that cart!

A run on supplies, no toilet paper in stock,

What a conundrum, I confess I’m in shock.

Eating in restaurants is a thing of the past,

No social gatherings, how long can this last?

Travel bans, social distance and curbside pickup,

Is this the new norm or just a slight hiccup?

Homemade banana bread is the newest trend,

As we pray for this nightmare to finally end.

Our hair’s growing longer, we’re all gaining weight,

A natural occurrence as we hibernate.

And in-person functions are all doom and gloom,

Now meetings are held on that program called Zoom.

Dressed in pajamas and working remotely,

Switch that mute button on, so the boss doesn’t quote me.

Businesses closing, I hope they don’t fail,

These are desperate times, but the check’s in the mail.

Students being taught by their teachers through Chrome,

Who would’ve predicted e-learning from home?

Sports cancelled, TV filming grinds to a halt,

Who can we blame? It’s all Covid 19’s fault.

Stuck inside on the couch with nowhere to go,

Turn to Hulu or Netflix to binge watch a show.

The stock market rises, oh - what a relief,

But Las Vegas casinos shut down causing grief.

In Chicago, the Census cowboy is mounted,

Urging: “Fill out your form so you can be counted.”

Thirty days in a month? Seems like sixty-four,

Is it Sunday or Monday, I can’t keep score.

The virus runs rampant, the world is hectic,

Make a decision – believer or skeptic?

Switzerland’s weather produces chocolate snow,

While we wait and wonder is it Donald or Joe?

Murder hornets, monkeys stealing blood samples,

These are some of last year’s weirdest examples.

Natural disasters all add to our woe,

Wildfires, earthquakes, a firenado,

Why is this all happening? Too much to ignore,

Knock on wood and don’t ask what else is in store.

Who killed Mr. Peanut? We have to think hard,

I didn’t include that on my bingo card.

2020 is over, past time to depart,

Hello 2021, let’s have a fresh start!

 

Ellie Oberth

January 2021