We are shrouded by confusion,
groping in the dark.
With many orders and restrictions,
bringing unhappy remarks.
One minute an order is issued,
the next minute withdrawn.
One day a prohibition announced,
the next day it is gone.
The outbreak started last year,
many restrictions began.
The minister said you don't always need,
a permit from the policeman.
All you need is your employers' letter,
or your hospital appointment, he says,
You can travel across state boundaries,
the police won't hinder your way.
But the police at the road block says,
you shall by no means proceed.
Your appointment letter is not valid,
a police permit you need.
We're made to live in constant fear,
of being misled and deceived.
We grope around in darkness,
not knowing who to believe.
A few days ago a new lockdown,
was imposed on the nation's capital.
No one is allowed to move around,
into other districts to travel.
"Even those who have appointments
for vaccination in other districts,
need a permit from the police station,"
the minister was very strict.
Soon after, another minister announced,
you don't need police permission.
You only need to show the policeman,
your vaccination appointment!
Nurseries and kindergartens can open,
the security council did say,
"No, all kindergartens must be closed."
said the education ministry today.
Ministers contradict ministers,
while policemen make their own rules.
We grope around in darkness,
we're made to look like fools.
Meanwhile the disease continues,
to spread like a raging fire.
From a thousand new cases each day,
to two, three, four thousand and higher.
Hospitals are being overwhelmed,
almost bursting at the seams.
Doctors and nurses are overworked,
each day's a horrible dream.
Anxiety has overtaken us,
we're full of uncertainty.
We grope around in darkness,
in fear of calamity.
The authorities continue to bungle,
to fumble and stumble too.
For they are groping in the dark,
they don't know what to do.
"Groping in the dark"
By Harolde Huang,
Monday 2021.05.10 14:46 hrs GMT+8
poetry #poetrybyharolde
#pandemic #lockdown
