Just the other day
you were but
whatever newborns
are called

Virus coronavirus
COVID-19
(even the China Virus
for those who label)

21 already
for so many days
you’ve held us all
captive

elsewhere longer
the infections
and the death toll
higher

21 already
usually it is
a joyous occasion
a celebration
a coming of age

But no
you’ve wreaked havoc
locked down the poor
in their impoverishment
(women and children first)

21 already
forcing one and all
to look anew
at the world
and at one’s door

solidarity anew empathy
anew humanity anew
in our quiet desperation
(the very best and the very worst)

Life anew

Lockdown Day 21 here down Africa South gives a SABC2 TV newsreader an opening.