Poetry: Covetous Covid’s Crimes by Zac Eisner

Covetous Covid’s Crimes
By Zac Eisner, age 11

I wish upon a shooting star to take me back to when
I could play with all my friends,
in the fresh outdoor air
these people used to smile
instead of a snarl
it finds me at the funniest times
like a flash, flicker or a flying plane
it strikes me down when I had just found my feet

the town that helped me and healed me
again and again
betrayed me, failed me, gave me to Covid
like a plastic soldier laying down his gun

against all that’s happened
Covid with its long line of wounded
hope who still believes
hope who skips around in every country, city or courtyard,
looking for a home but not finding
many emotions more
who find their owners door

the thoughts that scar my frightened mind
prances all around
it mocks me like I’ve already lost
telling me the battle has already been won

against all odds, I will prevail
hope has finally found its door
and end is in sight
covetous Covid will stop taking more

I wonder if like Captain Tom
who remembers the war that was won
will Covid be my war
are we now done?
and can we now have fun?

Zac, who is dyslexic, had a little note for readers: My name is Zac I’m 11 years old. Like everyone else, I’ve been in lockdown forever, but because my mom is shielded, I’ve been in lockdown more than most. I have written this poem on the slight chance that you will pick it up and it will raise your spirits.