I was out for a walk on Sunday, minding my social distance. I walked through a schoolyard which was completely empty. There were tennis courts and baseball fields at the other end. The tennis courts, I’d noticed have been kind of busy lately.
This makes sense since you can play and maintain social distance from each other.
But I noticed there were four men on one court playing ‘doubles’. I also noticed all of their sport bags, coats and water bottles in one big pile by the court. I was amazed. There didn’t seem to be a single care about spreading the virus. So much for self quarantine.
What a silly decision.
Naturally, I wrote a poem about it.
Tennis In the Time of Corona Virus
Never before has
Doubles tennis looked so sinister
The men leapt, reached and ducked
On the court
I imagine sweat and saliva
Dripping from one to the other
The handsome young men
Not a care in the world
For the spread of a virus
With no cure
Caution to the wind
As their rackets swung
Next week one of them
Will lose their sense of taste
Break a fever and reminisce
In isolation, of his victory
On the court of death
His friends will follow suit
Strong, athletic men
If only they had played
Singles tennis
They may have lived another day
But they jeered a virus
That cannot be contained
All for a game
and shameless exhibition
of who is the best
But mother nature
She doesn’t play around
Nor should we
In the time of Corona Virus
Stay healthy everyone and if you play tennis, make sure you stick to singles game.
How are you getting your exercise during self quarantine?
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Vicky
April 27, 2020 at 12:05 pmi thought covid would be over by now or atleat get stable but it has not shown any signs of decreasing yet.
Balroop Singh
March 27, 2020 at 8:56 amNice poem Lisa, each one has to be responsible for flattening this curve of Covid – 19. Stay happy and healthy dear friend.
lisa
March 27, 2020 at 1:42 pmThank you, Balroop. Yes, we all have to do our thing. It’s hard for those who are alone. 🙁 Video chats and zoom are helping. You, too! Stay healthy xx
Tamara
March 27, 2020 at 7:50 amGrim and poetic, and oh so true! We saw four men playing basketball yesterday and not maintaining distance. Then Cassidy said we didn’t really know their story. Maybe they’re four brothers, or four roommates who are already quarantined. Like how my family of four is always near each other.
I’d like to believe that about them, anyway.
Can’t say the same for the tennis players!
lisa
March 27, 2020 at 1:41 pmI know, right? Good point about the same household scenario. Although, these men were definitely not brothers. they looked extremely athletic. I’m guessing they’re team mates that are currently looking for activity to keep them in shape while their team is off. Too close in age to be all brothers unless they’re quintups? 😀 Maybe.
DGKaye
March 25, 2020 at 2:31 pmGreat observation Lis. And yes, sadly, there are too many not taking this serious enough. It may interest some to know many of the sick are aged 18-44. If they think it just attacks seniors, they’re in for a rude awakening!
Loved the poem! <3
lisa
March 26, 2020 at 7:42 amIt’s astonishing. I guess the youngs feel invincible? Interesting statistic, Deb. I didn’t realize that. Thanks for sharing 🙂 Thanks xx
DGKaye
March 26, 2020 at 6:19 pm<3
Jeff
March 25, 2020 at 1:31 pmIt is hard to break old habits, isn’t it! A nice poem.
lisa
March 26, 2020 at 7:43 amIt really is, Jeff. Thank you 🙂