The Dead: A COVID-19 Poem by Kathy Steinemann

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The Dead: A Coronavirus Poem

COVID-19 has impacted every country in the world more than any event in recent history. It has created division and unity, hate and love, isolation and togetherness.

I wrote this poem to reflect how I feel about it. Please read it like a rap.

And now I present:

“The Dead”

The Dead can’t rescue the economy,
Can’t save the world from this dichotomy,

Can’t pay taxes or vote in an election,
Because they died from this corona infection;

Can’t sit with family, sip on their tea,
Can’t bounce little ones on their knee,

Can’t help them learn, can’t watch them grow,
Can’t buy them gifts or teach them to throw;

The Dead can’t save you from amoral greed,
Can’t steal your “freedom,” your rights impede;

They can’t educate you, but they can ask,
“Please be kind and wear a [bleeped] mask!”

© Kathy Steinemann

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10 thoughts on “The Dead: A COVID-19 Poem by Kathy Steinemann”

  2. I thought it was apt and well written, Kathy. I dislike pigeon-holing everything…The ‘intellectuals’ and pedants enjoy it….(Proud member of the ‘hoi poloi’ Guilty as charged!) Thank you. x

  3. Dear Kathy,

    I have a question about poems (like this one) that aren’t that complicated to perceive their meanings (and intentions). Can I categorize them as “Simple Poems” or should I use some other adjective (terms) to describe them?

    No need to say that I liked this poem very much. Thanks for writing it!

    Thank you,
    Maysam Kandej

    • Thanks, Maysam. It does contain some double meanings, but I don’t know for sure how you’d classify it. Rhyming poem? Rap poem?

      Stay safe!

  5. Kathy, you’ve hit a home run.
    Note: My breakdown is entirely unnecessary, but I’m taking a break during moving and having some fun. Delete this comment if it doesn’t fit.

    “Rap”.
    1. Verb: To strike (a hard surface – like a skull) with a series of rapid audible blows, especially in order to attract attention. Noun: A quick, sharp knock or blow.
    2. Speech – INFORMAL • NORTH AMERICAN To talk or chat in an easy and familiar manner.
    3. Noun (music) A type of popular music of US black origin in which words are recited rapidly and rhythmically over a prerecorded, typically electronic instrumental backing.
    *all definitions borrowed verbatim from Google dictionary

    Extra Fun:
    Homophone: Wrap – “Death” is literally the wrap of life, and a mask is a face wrapping that will cut your risk of spreading/contracting Covid-19.

    Kudos all around. Set this piece to music.

    • Love it — tons of double meanings.

      I hope your move goes well, Jenn. Enjoy as much of the summer as you can. It disappears far too soon.

      Stay safe!

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