2020 has gone by - a year unreal,
Of virus and death, and challenges—
None of us could have been prepared for.
Overnight new rules were formed,
Our cozy lifestyles were transformed.
People everywhere were devastated,
Yet the virus raged unabated
Making mockery of people’s adjustments
And their daily disappointments.
Yet, sweet are the uses of adversity—
The pandemic heightened our vulnerability,
Our innate need for community—
For amid the joyless months of quarantine
We turned to each other, talked of COVID-19,
If not of anything else, prioritized, and ditched routine.
So, thank you 2020- the new year’s coming up
It’s time we poured the wine, it’s time we raised a cup
You will be remembered for the millions who died
Yet it cannot be denied,
That you made us strong,
You made us brave,
You made us more resilient—
For you, we march into a better 2021
For you, the world will never take for granted, ‘fun’.
Nandita Author 