Late Sunday afternoon I went for a walk in the neighborhood – a daily routine that many of us have established since the novel coronavirus made home sweet home the best place to be. It seems like life now moves at a slower pace (though work continues at a furious one) with fewer friends to meet, community gatherings non-existent, and schools going on-line. New Year’s Eve was muted, and we lost the once-a-year opportunity to show off our bejeweled and embroidered black saris at Sankrant. No songs to pick, no dance practices to host, no costumes to debate over – the Marathi community’s favorite Sankrant event was a quiet, virtual affair this year.
The slow pace now has me unexpectedly look up at the sky to watch how amazingly birds maintain their formations in flight, how the sky glows softly at dawn before the sun turns into a blazing ball, how a single human voice can modulate to make the “reading” of books through headphones sheer joy! (My recent “listens” – The Confidence Game by Maria Konnikova and Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts.)
On my Sunday walk, I saw a group of toddlers standing in a circle at the cul-de-sac. Two little ones had masks on, three did not. All of them had bubble wands and they made a cute sight to watch as they dipped the wands into the slim tube, and waved them to create soapy, transparent bubbles. I guessed they were friends, siblings, cousins – all no more than 5 years of age in a small bubble of their own, unable to blow gently to create a large one or blow fast for a stream to float away catching the sparkling afternoon sun. They shook and swung their wands happily, never once opening their mouths, and I watched them longingly, wishing for their and my own COVID-bubble go away.
~AK Irvinekar
Wow. What a haiku of modern life, Archana! Years later, when we look back at this experience, I hope your poème en prose is a part of the collection, along with scientific journals and news reportings, about the human experience of this pandemic. Thank you for capturing the longing, beauty, and resilience.
You have the gift of making our thoughts and sights poetic!!
Beautifully written Dear Archana!!
Thank you Anuradha! Khup kautuk kartes:)
Beautifully penned Archana, capturing so many common sentiments. I find myself slowing down to the speed of nature, gazing at the sky longer and listening more carefully to the sounds around. It is indeed a rare treat to come across little ones playing together as many are cooped indoors. Can’t wait for the bubble to burst indeed. Hopefully soon. Keep writing and sharing more, one way of enriching our lives during these less social times.
Appreciate the thoughts, Shilpa! The pandemic has made us stop and smell the roses
Nice reflection of life’s simple treasures (like sky and bird watching) lost in today’s mechanical world!! Yes, it is indeed a joy to watch little children play!!
Thanks Padmini, glad you enjoyed this!
Vaccine is here!!! And life will get normal slowly.. Looking forward to this bubble to burst.
Fingers crossed, the vaccines prevail!