A new lexicon dominates our conversations since nCoV-2019 unleashed itself upon the world. “Coronavirus” suddenly shows up on iPhone’s autocorrect. “Shelter in place,” “social distancing,” “lockdown,” “self-isolation” and “quarantine,” are all terms we now use daily, and hear regularly on news programs and social media feeds. Imbued with fear and a certain sadness, the nomenclature of the global pandemic (yet another scary term) inevitably brings on panic, stress, and, for many, depression. Indeed, the Mayor of Los Angeles in a recent press conference emphasized his use of the term “physical distancing” rather than “social distancing,” the former less reminiscent of Marquez’ yellow flag in Love in the Time of Cholera, and more, well, objectively neutral.
And yet, even as the world struggles to deal with each new day’s parade of horribles, the coming of Spring brings an irrepressible hope, a tender joy at the riot of color and birdsong filling the air. It seems almost sacrilegious to speak of silver linings in the face of something as serious as COVID-19…but is it really wrong to take joy where we can find it? Or is it essential to survive the mind-blowing reality in which our world finds itself?
Okay…I’ll admit it. I’m happy that global air quality is better; that dolphins are swimming around in Venice’s canals; and that the wildflowers are blooming in the park by my house. It doesn’t mean I’m any less affected by the tragedies in Italy, Iran, and around the world, or that I don’t care about the losses suffered by so many families; I still weep – and pray – for them every day, as I long, with the rest of the world, for an end to the pandemic.
But I cherish even more, in these uncertain times, the vivid oranges, reds, and yellows of Spring’s blooms, the squawking of a flock of wild parrots as they swoop and soar among the palms, the freshness of the wind and sun on my face. It seems like people are kinder, too…in my daily sanity walks, more folks seem to smile, wave, or say hello, even though from a safe distance of 2 meters. The irresistible promise of a new season may well save us from despair, bring us hope, and strengthen us to persist for yet another day.
The Melbatoast Chronicles 