Covid Reflections

All the fiery glory of sacrosanct men
Misnomer designations, titles in vain
Of usurped wealth and ill-gotten fame
In rubbles their entities, forgotten in pain

Might of the time, pendulum's swing
Waiting for no alarm, none reminding
Hitherto invincible, crushed souls scream
Will the lab test confirm one's worst dream

Greek letters pass by corridors of memories
Numb without emotions, bodies mere statistics
Five and a half million gone, several more loom
Afflicting beyond boundaries, or calendars of moon

Apocalyptic premonitions, dissent in very being
Suppressed rage, rising age, every breath competing
I exist, therefore I am' - not for virtuous purpose
What essence of life, which in installments running

This year was forlorn, next would be hopeful
Illusions never end for us, delusions pitiful
I am tired of promises that I can't myself keep
It's not some resignation, its a designed belief

Into the abyss of unkept words, unwept letters
Embracing the unknowns of uncertain tremors
If I hold you dear with my unsteady assurances
Survive we would - this new year, and some more.

- Saswat Pattanayak, Peoples’ Poet
New York, January 1, 2022