Reflections on Christmas 2021
By Kathryn Atkins, Long Beach Branch
‘Twas three weeks before Christmas and all through the towns,
People wore masks that covered their frowns.
The frowns had begun in 2020 Spring,
When a global pandemic changed everything.
They called it Corona but unlike the beer,
It didn’t bring good times; it didn’t bring cheer.
Airplanes were grounded, travel was banned.
Borders were closed across air, sea, and land.
As the world entered lockdown, flattening Covid’s curve,
The economy began caving, and folks lost their nerve.
Through Spring 2020, we rode the first wave.
People stayed home and tried to behave.
When summer emerged, the lockdown was lifted.
But away from their sanity, many folks had drifted.
In December 2021, cases were spiking.
Omicron had arrived, much to our disliking.
The last two years brought sadness aplenty.
We’ll never forget the year 2020.
Now that we’re entering the holiday season.
Why be merry? Is there even one reason?
To decorate the house and put up the tree?
Who will see it? Maybe no one but me.
But outside our window the rain gently falls
And I think to myself, “Let’s deck the halls!”
So, I gather red ribbons, garlands, and bows.
As I play Christmas carols, my happiness grows.
Covid cannot squelch this season of hope.
If we lean on each other, we will continue to cope.
Kathryn Atkins © 2021