I Miss You ‘Pandemic-free’ World!

Summary

The website content reflects a personal longing for the pre-pandemic world through a free-verse poem, as part of a 20-day poetry challenge.

Abstract

The author expresses a heartfelt nostalgia for the 'pandemic-free' world in a poem that is a response to a 10th-day poetry prompt. The poem vividly recalls the simple joys of physical closeness, social gatherings, and the freedom of everyday activities without the constraints of health protocols. It touches on the emotional impact of the pandemic, including the stress of parenting, the loss of communal celebrations, and the inconveniences of daily life. Despite the hardships, the author acknowledges the pandemic's role in strengthening family bonds and healing the environment, while also adapting to new technologies. The piece concludes with a hope for a better future, appreciating the connections made through the poetry challenge and modern technology, and a plea not to revert to old ways.

Opinions

The author deeply misses the unrestricted social interactions and normalcy of the pre-pandemic era.
There is an appreciation for the unintended positive consequences of the pandemic, such as the environmental recovery and stronger family connections.
The pandemic has necessitated a shift to modern technology for maintaining connections, which the author finds effective yet hopes are not permanent.
The poem serves as a reminder of the taken-for-granted aspects of life before the pandemic and the collective experience of loss and adaptation.
The author expresses gratitude towards the community formed through the poetry challenge, highlighting the importance of creative expression and solidarity during difficult times.

A poetry prompt for day 10

I miss you ‘pandemic-free’ world! which entails hugging my folks and buddies in person, meeting friends for coffee, not worrying about my kids going out seeing them go to school, grocery shopping serenely, without standing in a queue celebrating milestones with family and kin — weddings, birthdays, brood reunions, anniversaries, watching movies, programs, concerts, shows going to the gym, bar hopping, visiting a sick chum, browsing stores and malls, museums, zoos, libraries, the luxury of buying toilet papers, not wearing this very annoying mouth and nose cover anywhere I go! touching my face and picking my nose without a tissue or washing first my hands with antiseptic…ouch! ultimately, last on my list, not murmuring, “Be strong my wifi signal, be strong!”

I hope I haven’t missed anything, or if there is, you may add more through your comments. All I can say is, the pandemic has brought us countless worries, but in reality, it has also been an eye-opener for us. We dared say, in a good way, our mother earth has undergone healing, believe it or not. Our family bonds have been more intense, we have been forced to try new but effective means through our modern-day technology. I do hope and pray we’ll never get back to our old ways again.

My sincere gratefulness to my friend Sahil Patel, for this poetry challenge. This free-verse poem is for your 10th-day prompt:

A shoutout, too, to all my awesome poet friends who are with me in this poetry goal — my dear Bhav Bhavna Narula, dear Geetika Sethi, Ntathu Allen, Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她), Dear Doc Fam Dr. Fatima Imam, dear Doc Preeti Dr. Preeti Singh, and many others.

Thanks so much for reading! Stay safe and well ever.

20-DAY POETRY CHALLENGE

I Miss You ‘Pandemic-free’ World!

A poetry prompt for day 10

I Miss You

Poetry Prompt Day:-10