A Christmas COVID story (from a tired clergy)

...influenced by Dr. Seuss!

The ‘Burgers in Lunenburg liked Christmas – a lot!

But a virus lived everywhere – and care; it did NOT!

Named COVID, the virus ran all through the season,

Going here, there, and everywhere – it seemed without reason.

It kept itself hidden for days before showing,

Then coughing and fevers and lots of nose-blowing

Meant that someone new was told they’re infected

… and whole groups of people had their fun plans rejected.

Indiscriminately, without showing preferences or likes,

We humans were plagued by those darn protein spikes.

With transmissions happening, both here and there,

We had to admit, we felt some despair.

“I’ll change what I look like!” COVID said with a smirk,

As it adapted, mutated, (and acted like a jerk).

“I don’t need to be seen, I don’t even speak,

But because of me, everyone will learn Greek!”

We doubled our efforts to take it to task,

Hand washing, and distanced, and carefully masked.

We listened to premiers, and dear Dr. Strang

And the whole Public Health team (whose praises we sang!)

Resilient Nova Scotians (we’re a hearty bunch!)

Again did a pivot, and changed Christmas lunch.

Our holiday plans shifted, our parties got cancelled,

Travel plans were delayed, feast menus dismantled.

“This stinks” we all grumbled, admitting our sadness,

As we tried our best to find moments of gladness.

In the spirit of compassion, we sprang into action,

Finding new ways to create holiday interaction.

There was joy to be found; with brand new traditions,

Finding ways to spread love with enthusiasm and ambition!

Sure, Christmas looks very different than what we had planned,

But the meaning of the season can never be banned.

We all know that Christmas, the Grinch couldn’t steal,

And the Who’s down in Whoville made quite a big deal

To love Grinch and Max, whose hearts grew three sizes,

For the power of Christmas is full of surprises.

So this year, again, we’ll all do our part,

To keep ourselves safe, together/apart,

We won’t seek out loopholes, for each other we’ll care,

‘Til the end of the pandemic is finally declared!

We’ll sing carols at home, share our prayers online,

It’s safest this way, we all want to be fine.

The results from our rapid tests will be the only negative

As to our beloved, the gift of good health we give.

The hugs – we’ll catch up on those in due time,

(When perhaps this poet will no longer rhyme!)

So together we pray, to the heavens above,

To focus on what really matters: the great gift of love.