The times are changing

The times are changing Not sure of the exact direction – but changing they are The car parks are full once again and traffic jams have begun to rear their ugly head Thankfully, no honking here! There were more than five people at the ATM – all apparently late for work Pigeon feeding frenzy is at an all time high and when the flock takes flight It fascinates me – it always did . Childish ? The plethora of cats that had inhabited the courtyard are suddenly Conspicuous by their absence – have we frightened them away again? Have they been eaten? Yes, people do eat cats and cats eat pigeons! The malls are seeing footfall once more and people are venturing out Like sloths after the freezing winter – apprehensive and a trifle strained They stare into empty shops – not sure of whether to go in or just play peekaboo ! The buzz and the laughter are missing – so also kids rolling on the floor and demanding candy and playthings The salespersons look happier- not thrilled fifty percent of the salary is better than none, but the cut hurts and hurts bad The media headlines remain “Covid” related – but the tone is gentler and less alarming Other news makes the headlines occasionally – a welcome and much needed relief While actual numbers fluctuate – things do look brighter Data is often the devil but ignore it at your peril The race for the vaccine continues – promises galore – heightened anticipation August - December – 2021- 2022- 5 years away – No silver bullet say some Our world has changed forever – or is it still changing? Who do you believe in this madhouse and why should you? – but the world clings on in hope The hope that makes the present less difficult to bear That is the only way out of this horrid quagmire – HOPE is the saviour Share prices in Vaccine companies rise and owners are joyful It could be a marketing ploy which we the commoners will never fathom World games are back to the drawing board and players are limbering up Palms itching for more millions – satisfaction is rare – it is the “more factor” at play - Pun intended Many teams are already competing in empty stadiums – while starved audiences Sit at home & cheer them on from comfy couches. The IPL will start again and that will warm the cockles of many a heart Meanwhile clothes are being given for ironing and the dry cleaners are a pleased lot The sweatpants and T shirts were oh so comfy! Supermarkets are now abuzz with activity and restaurant tills are jingling Offices are being redone and space is king – sit close at your own risk Education is at the top of the agenda Parents and their wards are indecisive yet hopeful Will schools and colleges reopen? Will they? Won’t they? The jury is still out on that one – it is a tough call for all One can never be too sure – there are plans but are they perfect? The perfect state unfortunately does not exist and therein lies the danger One spike and it will be game over for sure The enemy is miniscule yet lethal – it makes the cobra seem like a plaything Then there are the naysayers – there was no Covid in the first place! This is all a figment of the imagination! A sham to scare the world into disarray! Each to his own – you do have the right to an opinion. It’s your bed to lie on The blame game continues unabated – blame China, blame the US, blame Trump, blame the media, Blame the almighty, blame the bats, the rats, the cats – yes it was the wet markets! It makes no difference – no not at all Elsewhere in the world Fools and fanatics fraternize frivolously, and ignorance rears its ugly head There are Covid parties and Covid games – “Catch Covid if you Can” Is that even a tag line? The height of stupidity. Tens of thousands are parading against their freedom being taken away Some countries are opening out and some closing down. Many are sailing up and down the river – no shore in sight Industries being shut down and new ones opening Jobs being lost – new ones springing up just as soon And amidst all the pandemonium and mayhem Temples are being constructed , elections are being fought, scams are being unearthed Refugees are running, Arsenals are being enlarged, boarders are being fortified Governments are being formed while others are being toppled The rich are becoming richer and millions are facing drought and starvation. The times are changing Not sure of the exact direction – but changing they are