An invisible enemy has changed our lives. Lives lost, all too soon. Soon slinks fear, that we contain in isolation. Isolation bringing bitter loneliness; thoughts echoing. Echoing around the world, clouds of chaos and uncertainty. Uncertainty in each other, infected with suspicion. Suspicion of one another, seems like our jobs. Jobs vanishing, economy at a standstill. Still, hope is in our nature. Nature is renewing, the world is clean and quiet. Quiet acts of kindness, binding us together. Together we lead, enlightened by our journey.
poem
Out of the Pandemic, poetry in seasons by Paridhi, 13 | Part I: Winter 2020
Author’s Statement I started writing this piece as an optional assignment in my seventh grade English class. It was an end of the year assignment. In this piece, I have tried to describe some vivid memories and experiences over the one and a half years during which the COVID-19 virus has put a break on my life. The pandemic has been a turning point in my life. I still have many more experiences to gain in life but I doubt I will ever be able to forget this. A Note from the Editor These poems were submitted to Stone Soup blog as a 40 page collection. I have decided to publish them in weekly installments, breaking them up by the seasons Paridhi established. The artwork I have chosen to accompany each installment was not selected by the author and was originally published in Stone Soup. Part I Winter 2020 A Glimpse of Winter (Nikon COOLPIX L830)By Hannah Parker, 13 (South Burlington, VT), published in Stone Soup December 2019 50th Annual Day My school, JNS, Its 50th year of existence. It’s a grand ceremony. Trained in Bharatanatyam For the past 4 years, Earned me A place in prestigious prayer dance. I am very excited, Excited but nervous. The aura of the heavy costume, The makeup, the traditional jewelry, It makes me weak in my knees. Could see the pride in my mother’s eyes Missing my father though Who is slogging in the US At his new job. It All Started Corona Virus! Oh God! What is this? It seems to be the talk of the town! China comes out as the culprit Blamed by one and all. Disease, Death, Doom, Italy echoed of them all. It slowly spread its wings While we Unaware of the danger, Were busy writing our exams That passed away In the blink of an eye. Alone News of deadly Corona Spreads like fire. US is having a bad time. People are getting infected In great numbers. Stay home. Stay Safe. The new mantra. Unfortunately, my father is stuck there. With nobody beside him. Not even my mother, All alone. The Dilemma, The Decision My mother with tears flowing through her eyes. My father on the Zoom call. Me staring at grown-ups. Seeing them in a dilemma, Whether my father should stay away Or risk traveling to India. Ecstatic At last, With the Ramayana in our hands, A decision is made. Papa will be coming back Back to us Back to India Back to being a family. Oh! How I missed him not being around! He is back with us. He is safe. Next day, LOCKDOWN comes as a nightmare. India gets totally sealed up. All international flights cancelled. We prayed and prayed. God was kind to us. Plans canceled Two trips for this spring; Both canceled. I was to go to Switzerland, A ski trip from school. Was looking forward to see the heavenly beauty Of the mountainous And the cold, amazing, rich city. Second, to the US, With my parents. Rising cases in US! Corona canceled it, Canceled it all.
What My America Looks Like, a poem by Eboni, 13
Eboni Maxwell, 13 (Boston, MA) What My America Looks Like Eboni Maxwell, 13 My America looks like chaos, a burning flame that cannot be put out and continues to grow. My America is dull and bland; I wake up everyday and ask myself ¨Why are most people cruel and mean, racist and unapologetic… What made them this way?” I get ready for school and go to learn, but my mind is constantly running. Thoughts of what would happen if I wasn’t black: could or would I be able to put more of an end to racism? I try to focus but all I hear in my head are the sounds of gunshots, people screaming for their lives and crying babies scared by the loud bangs. As a black female in this world that we live in, I am too afraid to walk anywhere alone with the fear of being shot, kidnapped, or murdered, or worse. MY world is not at all pretty. Life isn’t what everyone makes it out to be.
