Dire Learning

I can see you with Corona Virus
staying at home with Internet schooling;
you need not carry books to the schoolyard,
the teacher gives you a daily assignment.

But now it’s time to roll with the changes
and return to school just one day a week;
no interaction with fellow students—
disinfect your desk and chair with Clorox.

And wash your hands, as your new school requires;
you pledge allegiance to the facial mask.
There comes a new drill, a new and better drill!
No bombing threat--social distancing instead.

This is the start of anti heart-to-heart;
a new and sterile mantra, Not too close!
We’ll teach suspicion as a rule, and steer
young minds who desire to learn what is new.

Priority of an unseen pathogen;
the possibilities of it being man-made.
It is a war, of sorts, and far apart
you will remain, even if one day a week.

New syllabus is simple: study quick;
our focus the virus—or a funeral.


22 Lines
Writer’s Cramp Co-Winner
6-11-20