How Poetry Relates To The Pandemic

 

The weight of despair and discouragement came on us during this pandemic. It was an overwhelming moment where no one had the correct answers for the question ‘why?’ Following the numerous deaths experienced in our country, everyone drowned in fear, fear of celebrations, one to one meetups. Most of the people were filled with an overwhelming fear of enjoyment. The drastic shift left us speechless; we grew apart in most of our relationships since meetups became taboo. Everyone was scared of/the service providers at the different grocery stores. Amidst all this confusion, I found a safe space that allowed me to cope with everything that was happening simultaneously; reading books and poetry became my haven. I am intrigued to state that three poems have become my masterpiece when it comes to relating to the pandemic. “When the Virus Comes” by Angelo Geter is one of them; the poem expresses the drastic shift that came with the pandemic and illuminated how the pandemic affected our relationships. The other poem that stands out as a masterpiece is “Weather” by Claudia Rankine’86 stands out as it explains thoroughly the pernicious qualities of racism that were in the country during the pandemic, and lastly, “Say Thank You Say I’m Sorry” by Jericho Brown resonates with how beautifully the service providers at various areas have worked in unity to ensure that the citizens of the United States are at their best state. The three poems collectively illuminate what most people have gone through during this pandemic, and on the other hand, they have shown me that something positive comes from these tough times. Despite the tragic experiences, people try to engage in more meaningful things, resulting in great gratitude.

Jericho Brown’s “Say Thank You Say I’m Sorry” is a piece that expresses how hard the grocery workers toiled to ensure that the citizens of the United States are at peace and in a good state. It shows their unified course of protecting the people. The diversity of the people is expressed in these lines; during the pandemic, the citizens of the country were divided into different parties, both politically and socially. “I don’t know whose side you’re on, But I am here for the people.”(Lines 1-2). The people’s differences did not withhold the grocery workers from working hard for all the people to ensure comfort. He shows how much sacrifice is put in by the grocery workers; they adhered to all the COVID protocols. “They washed their hands for you.”(Line 33), this line shows that they did everything in their power to keep the people safe. “They say, Thank you. They say, Sorry” (line 29). They are not hesitant to apologize for their mistakes; they are always there to appreciate the buyers even when they have been exposed to the dangers of this pandemic. People have been mean and have put the grocery workers at the risk of this virus, but they will still provide the necessary services with uttermost politeness. The topic of Jericho’s poem contrasts everything they do; this is because he was trying to prove a point; the grocery workers are not appreciated enough. The people view their services as minor services, yet they expose them to numerous risks. The people ought to be more appreciative and polite to the grocery workers since they offer services selflessly.

“When the virus comes,” Angelo Geter expresses how much things have changed because of the pandemic. He gives various instances of what will occur during this pandemic. “Talking heads on television screens/ Will tell you to abandon ship. To drown yourself in a sea of isolation.” (Lines 2-4); express how many people’s lives will be put at a standstill. When the pandemic hit our country, every job was put on hold, people had to go back home, the borders were all closed affecting people in various ways. It was hard for people to provide for their families due to unemployment. When the pandemic got worse, quarantine was issued by the government. People were instructed to stay indoors for their safety. “Instruct you to grab everything you can while you still can” (line 10), everyone was in a panic mode, the supermarkets were filled people were trying to buy all that they can. “When the virus comes/ you will dance on timelines/ sing like a quartet is trapped in your throat”( lines 24, 27, 29). These lines express how much the pandemic has transformed peoples’ hearts. People have realized the importance of living in the moment. People are now more intentional with their relationships,” When the virus comes/ you will kiss your lover like it’s the last time/ because maybe it is” (Lines 24-26). People have learned to live in the present, each day at a time, with hearts of gratitude. “And today that will be more than enough” (Line 32)

Claudia Rankine’s “Weather” captured the tragic events that have been viewed in the United States. When the pandemic hit, the people got a closer picture of the racism that was affecting the county. The injustices that occurred against the people of color were brought to light. “We’re out to repair the future” (Line 20-21). The BLM movement is working to ensure that justice prevails in the country. A revolution started to bring justice for every family that lost their loved ones through racism. “and then mama, called to, a call, to protest, fire, glass, say their names, say their names, white silence equals violence” (Line 13-15). The white people getting to stand up for the rights of the black community showed their intentionality in enhancing equal rights for all people. With this, peace was improved, and justice prevailed. An improvement has been viewed in the country; peaceful protests have brought about a change in the state. “I say weather, but I mean a form of governing that deals out death and names it living” (lines 25-27). This line expresses the fact that racism enforced by the authorities is not of benefit. It leads to destructions and despair. Claudia’s piece expressed the beauty of peace for all people. The light shone on the United States people has enabled the people to appreciate each other despite their racial differences.

The three pieces are relevant to the recent pandemic since they express everything that transpired during the pandemic. They teach that in everything, it is essential to give thanks. From my experience during the pandemic, I learned that life brings about unexpected events. School had to be canceled, and I ended up losing touch with most of my friends. Angelo Geter expresses that every moment with loved ones should be made precious. We should live each day appreciating the people we love. The three poems have taught me the importance of love. Jericho’s poem expresses how selfless people should be when offering services. Selflessness also applies to the consumers. We should appreciate all the service providers for their sacrifices. The principles gotten from these poems have enabled me to view life from a different perspective. They have helped me to grow in gratitude and to leave each day knowing that it’s enough. I cannot deny that these poems have given me a great sense of peace and sanity.

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