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
