The Coronavirus

by Joel Ally
(Guyana)

Because I could not step outside,
outside stepped in for me.
My body shook and coughed and sneezed
I’ve no immunity.

Our carefully crafted illusion
Of predictable security
Destroyed by a simple virus

We watched as the well-oiled gears
Of our elaborate world machine
Grind to a shuddering halt

Eerie silence prowls empty streets.
Enforced isolation teaching us
Just how much we need each other

Alone, I played my records loud.
Some Drake and Miley Cyrus
My labours and my leisure lost
To the Coronavirus.