Playing Dodgeball

I've been playing dodgeball with COVID,

And up to this point, I have succeeded

In dodging the many balls tossed my way.

I haven't let warnings go unheeded.

 

True, it's been a wild game,

And all the balls sing a medley

Of different tunes; some are muted,

Some are stronger, and some are deadly.

 

As they all go whizzing by,

I twist, I turn, I shelter in place.

Protecting myself as much as I can,

I'm finding it hard to keep up the pace.

 

It's an equal opportunity

Virus, for COVID doesn't care

Whom it hits. Whoever gets

In the virus's way had better beware.

 

Extra precautions help us immensely.

Our chances are better that we won't fall

If perchance we're caught off guard

And suddenly get hit by the ball.

 

Some folks are pelted ever so slightly,

And as each one of them disappears

From the circle of COVID escapees,

Other folks are knocked on their rears.

 

The balls keep flying. The game gets even

More befuddling, more demanding.

It makes one wonder if any of us

Can win the round and be left standing.

 

When this game's over--if ever it is--

Will a new one have its say--

A brand new virus, much more virulent--

A new game we'll be forced to play?

 

-by Bob B (12-29-22)