Spring Forward, Fall Back?

Summary

The article reflects on the collective emotional struggle during the transition from winter to spring, amidst the ongoing adjustments to societal changes due to the pandemic.

Abstract

As winter recedes and spring approaches, the article captures a mood of apprehension and sorrow. It suggests that the sadness stems from the lingering uncertainties of the pandemic and the fear of re-entering society after prolonged isolation. The piece acknowledges the loss of normalcy and the irreplaceable void left by those who have passed away. Despite the anticipation of warmer seasons and the hope for better days, there is a recognition of the significant toll the past year has taken. The author encourages resilience and adaptation, emphasizing that moving forward is the only option, even as the future remains uncertain.

Opinions

The author believes that the transition to spring is overshadowed by the ongoing pandemic, which has left people ill-prepared for a return to normal social interactions.
There is an expressed fear about the ability to readjust to close physical contact after extended periods of social distancing.
The article conveys a sense of loss and the acknowledgment that the impact of the past year will be lasting and profound.
The author holds a cautious optimism that the future will be better, suggesting that the challenges faced have been a test of endurance.
The piece reflects on the need to embrace the present and what remains after the year's hardships, despite the unclear outcome of the pandemic.

Spring Forward, Fall Back?

The snow has finally disappeared and spring is on the horizon, but why are we still sad?

Is it because we are still living in this strange world of ‘what if’, or because we’re so afraid that when we’re allowed to integrate back into society that we’ll have forgotten how to function as fully-rounded humans?

The two-metre-greeting will give way to a barrage of hugs and unwanted kisses, and we won’t be equipped for what that holds for us.

We’ll eventually get back to some normalcy but with the people we’ve lost, nothing will be the same again.

Spring is being birthed but we are not ready, calm yourselves, hold yourselves, steady.

We will pull out our cooler clothes, and get ready for warmer toes.

Because what’s around the corner can only be better, than the past year of fodder we told ourselves didn’t matter.

Spring will leave and summer will arrive, we’ve told each other, “it’s okay, we will survive”.

But we will remember those we have lost, and that this past year came at a great cost.

Our only choice is to move on, and envelope what’s still here.

Because at the end of this, what we have left is unclear.