Mask of Sorrow
by Annalyn Neo Celeste

2020 came with an attitude
Can you feel its magnitude?
Far & wide, longitude, latitude
I guess we are all screwed

Misconception, downplayed, confusion
World at large in suspicion
An invisible invasion, contagion
Oblivious contamination, transmission

Survival of the fittest, I deter!
Hoarding toilet paper, reveals character
Punching a fellow, a vacuous wrestler
Alike sentiment to dense antivaxxer!

Social distancing seeds despair
Protective gear a must to wear
You and me in solitaire
Escape to run? But where?
Quarantine, solitude, trial of mentality
Resilience at its best circumvent insanity
Violating orders – thought of virus fugacity
Selfish intentions! A test to humanity

 

Crippled global industry, Economy’s declining
A catalyst, Recession, Depression arising
Divine universe discern our suffering
Affluent to impecunious – people are dying!

Sense the world swiftly shattering
Silent scream, havoc, vastly stifling
Yet strengthening faith an undertaking
While antidote is still brewing

Shall benevolence, peace unveil in thorough
Solidarity towards fresh tomorrow
Behind, evade such plague’s shadow
Anon! We’ll take off this Mask of Sorrow!


Image: Stuart Buck is a visual artist and award-winning poet living in North Wales. His art has been featured in several journals, as well as gracing the covers of several books. His third poetry collection, Portrait of a Man on Fire, is forthcoming from Rhythm & Bones Press in November 2020. He is the art editor for Konstellation Magazine and available for commissions all year round. He can be contacted via Twitter or E-Mail
Annalyn Neo Celeste is originally from the Philippines, based in UAE, working as a first class International Flight Attendant. She finds it very rewarding how her passions intertwined – flying & writing. Her fascination of poetry throughout her life serves as an inspiration to document her memorable experiences & exciting adventures globally in a poetic way, and also to pursue her dream on publishing her own book about being a globe trotter. Stay tune as she write on!