The pandemic Corona virus originated in China, spread globally. In early 2020, when it reached our unprepared country, Corona spread unchecked into all our fifty states.
La Corona in the 90’s was A trademarked long cigar. Of course it planted deadly cancers-- But seldom traveled far. For centuries Corona meant A garland or a crown Bestowed to honor victories Deserving great renown. Far off in space Corona is A fleeting ring of light Around the eclipse of our sun When day turns black as night. How secretly, how globally, This new Corona roams! By ship and plane, touch and breath, We humans bring it home. Our borders close, some cities too; Small businesses shut down. Our healers need more masks, more beds-- And tests that can’t be found. Some in power legislate Funds for those in need. First responders risk their lives As corona spreads, recedes. Copyright Judith McCombs 2020
Bio:
Judith McCombs grew up nomadic, in a geodetic surveyor’s family. Her poems appear in Delmarva, Potomac & Saranac Reviews, Innisfree, Nimrod (Neruda Award), Poetry, Shenandoah (Graybeal-Gowen Prize); and The Habit of Fire: Poems Selected & New. She works on GWU’s Splendid Wake, Federal Poets, and the now-paused Kensington Row Bookshop Readings.
Donation Appeal:
Throughout June and July, we will be presenting on this web site work by poets and artists responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope you will find these works relevant, comforting and inspiring as we all cope with the economic and health-related fallout.
As you view the work on this site each day, we would like to encourage you to donate to the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). Their mission “ is to feed our neighbors in need by providing dignified access to supplemental groceries. AFAC is seeing a record number of families due to the COVID-19 pandemic as families who never thought they would ever be in need are now showing up at our doors for much needed food.” And, in keeping with our hunger-focused efforts, you may also want to visit the Poetry X Hunger website where poems by many poets are posted and are being used by anti-hunger organizations.”
Throughout June and July, we will be presenting on this web site work by poets and artists responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope you will find these works relevant, comforting and inspiring as we all cope with the economic and health-related fallout.
Please consider donating to AFAC. If you do, let us know which poet or artist inspired you so we can send you a personal thank you.
If you send a donation, please let us know.
And thank you for your visit and your generosity.
Another fine one by Judith!
a terrific poem. Thank you.