The pandemic is the war

Summary

The poem "The pandemic is the war" by Jenny Justice reflects on the societal impact of the pandemic, drawing parallels to a war and highlighting the disproportionate effects on marginalized communities.

Abstract

In Jenny Justice's poem, the pandemic is portrayed as a metaphorical war that has brought to light the deep societal divides and injustices. The author suggests that the pandemic represents the long-feared conflict between the 'haves' and 'have nots,' and between democracy and fascism. The poem underscores that those most affected by the pandemic—primarily Black, poor, and marginalized individuals—are the same groups that are often considered expendable in the political and social power struggles. The author implies that the pandemic is a precursor to the potential rise of fascism, particularly in the context of the upcoming November elections. Jenny Justice, a poet and author, invites readers to reflect on these issues through her work and encourages them to engage further by subscribing to her newsletter.

Opinions

The pandemic is likened to an anticipated war between opposing societal forces.
There is a concern that the pandemic is exacerbating existing inequalities, with the most vulnerable bearing the brunt.
The poem suggests that society is on the brink of a larger conflict, potentially leading to fascism.
The author expresses that the lives lost during the pandemic, particularly among marginalized communities, are a result of systemic neglect and devaluation.
The poem conveys a sense of urgency for political and social change to prevent the further erosion of democracy and human rights.

A Poem

It just hit me, reading a headline about

this or that latest scandal this or that latest reach towards fascism

that oh yeah

the pandemic is the war

we all think or thought was surely coming

between haves and have nots between democracy and fascism

between survival and global warming between sharing and hoarding

those that are dying primarily Black

primarily poor primarily marginalized

primarily not the 1% are voices and votes

who are deemed expendable

for when November in MAGA comes and fascism really

does a number on us

‌‌‌Jenny‌ ‌Justice‌,‌ ‌Poet.‌ ‌Author‌ ‌of‌ ‌Love‌ ‌in‌ ‌the‌ ‌Time‌ ‌of‌ ‌Climate‌ ‌Change‌ ‌and‌ ‌Reveal.‌ ‌You‌ ‌can‌ ‌read‌ ‌more‌ ‌of‌ ‌her‌ ‌poetry‌ ‌at‌‌ ‌Justice‌ ‌Poetic.‌‌ ‌‌Sign‌ ‌up‌ ‌for‌ ‌her‌ ‌newsletter‌ ‌‌here‌.‌

The pandemic is the war

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