Something I Look At-94 Poem by Smruti Ranjan Mohanty

Composed during the corona pandemic

A LOOK AT LIFE-94
BY SMRUTI RANJAN MOHANTY

BATTLE OF NERVES

When the battle is on,
why a meek surrender?
Why not a brave fight?
Let us carry ourselves,
and those who cannot.

Let us put our body, mind,
head and heart together—
we will be the victor
before the encounter begins.

Many a war
we have fought with empty hands,
and won by the power of will
and perseverance.
Now we have the means and expertise—
why so much fear?
When we know the enemy on our soil
is only for days and hours.

Let us find the man within us—
the coward who panics
will be no more.

Just listen to your reason.
Take care of your hands,
never allow them to play
with your nose, eyes and lips,
and bring disaster for no reason.

Do not touch your face, eyes and nose.
Wash your hands frequently
with soap or sanitizer,
ensure it before you touch your mouth.
When you touch a suspected object,
never forget to wash your hands.

Take warm water with lemon, amla,
rich in natural Vitamin C—
help your body's immunity
fight the invader.

Remain away from the crowd,
do not build gatherings.
If possible, remain in isolation—
social distancing is the best solution.

Never leave home
unless there is an emergency.
Listen, from time to time,
to what the experts say—
never turn a deaf ear
to those risking their lives for us.

When you feel unwell,
maintain distance from others,
remain confined to home isolation.

When you cough or sneeze,
cover your mouth—
help others remain safe.

Never panic.
All coughing, sneezing and fever
are not due to the Novel Coronavirus,
yet we must take care and comply,
and help the system do the rest.

If you have come from abroad,
never fail to register,
never hide your illness.
Talk to a doctor,
stand with the system
fighting the deadly virus.

Help yourself, help your family,
the nation,
and the whole of humanity.

Be cautious, but never panic.
Be a disciplined soldier.
Know for sure—
the victory will be yours.

Have patience—
the days of Corona are numbered,
it will not be here forever.

And when the battle is on again,
may we never choose a meek surrender.

Smruti Ranjan Mohanty©
India
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