9 mins of your time!

The people of the world are under pressure and reeling
with the virus showing no signs of disappearing;
The good news is that the world is healing
Global warming is reversing and ozone reappearing.

There is a wonderful entity and we call it nature,
it's showing off all it's powers and glory;
The animals and birds are painting a picture,
while the human decipher the slowly unfolding story.

The skies are blue and bright and clear,
The birds are flying low without fear;
The animals are roaming their long lost lands,
History is being written in the grains of sand.

We too, can make the most of this time, 
Figure out new ways to interact, communicate and dine;
And all the while stay close to the community,
while our PM comes up with ideas with impunity!

It may seem stupid at first, even downright silly,
with all his balcony ideas coming willy-nilly;
but think of it from a point of view,
of someone living alone, and not as lucky as you.

They might feel a sense of closeness and gratitude,
just to see their neighbour lose some attitude;
and stand in solidarity on the window or balcony,
and take part in the light and sound cacophony.

Don't do it, if you feel it's a waste,
but don't mock those with a sense of taste;
who want to feel as if they deserve to belong,
In a cultural society that has been long gone!

I'd probably stand outside this Sunday too,
and do as much as he asks me to,
but not for him or for his demand
but to strengthen my own family bond.

The choice is yours and how you make it,
but if you choose to do it, please don't fake it;
It's a time to let genuine emotions pour out,
Let's unite and show our own India's clout!

Dr. Dheeraj Mulchandani

From the outside, in.

Better safe than sorry, everyone's right,

while we sit at home counting the nights;

but be honest, every once a few days,

we need to step out no matter what they say.

Groceries are to be bought, things are required,

the children need to be fed and we're all tired;

Of sitting at home and waiting for time to pass

We step out with all precautions, Oh at last!

Shop as much as you can, there's barely anything left,

make do with what we get, we're all pretty deft;

and as we prepare to return to our abodes,

the dreadful feeling should warn you loads.

In case it doesn't, allow me remind you,

we're all fomites for the virus around you;

We might be carrying it back home with us,

So please remember this is a required fuss.

Stop at your door, drop everything down,

take off everything from toe to crown,

Go into the bath and scrub yourself fine,

It doesn't matter if the kids start to whine.

Safety first, all else can go to naught,

clean yourself up and then the stuff you bought;

Teach your kids to wait for their turn,

to touch you, hug you or whatever they yearn!

They're worried about you every time you step out,

they are too sacred to say it with their mouth;

reassure them that you are aware of their plight,

make sure they know that you share their fright.

Wash your hands with soap and sanitize,

Keep the kids around to see with their eyes,

teach them the importance of keeping themselves clean,

and watch as the virus disappears from the scene!

Dr. Dheeraj Mulchandani

Crowning glory!

Allow me to introduce myself, my dear humans of earth,
I come from a place where I recently took birth;
No one really knows how I was born and came to be,
I've been there longer than most of you could see.

I crossed a boundary that was invisible to all,
It was never expected that I could take the leap;
This one move has lead to many a fall,
and many to reach a state of permanent sleep!

It was a while before you could understand,
how I could affect you all with such impunity;
I stuck on your face, your tables, chairs and hand,
I moved when you coughed, sneezed and even did your duty.

I tickled your nose, I itched your throat,
I caused you a fever and rocked your boat,
I entered your lungs and caused you to gasp,
I put you on a ventilator and made you breathe your last!

I ran around your lane, your town, your city
I even crossed the borders of your country,
I spread my wings all over the world,
I sat back and laughed while your life twirled.

But you are intelligent and smart and I am scared,
I know that in this fight I won't be spared
I know this war I may end up losing,
but the battle I've won is of my choosing.

The onus is now on each one of you,
to do what you do and do it true,
I stayed true to my crowning persona
Before I forget, my name is Corona!

Dr. Dheeraj Mulchandani

A Time to Still


Routines were good until a few days ago,
When we all just got up and decided to go
Until our world came crashing down
besides corona there wasn't a sound

Now, we sleep and wake without thought
our lives seem to have come to naught
the time we craved is all upon us
it's suddenly daunting with zero fuss

We have the time with nothing to do
We have the space, all clean and new
We have the air all fresh to breathe
We have our emotions all ready to seethe

But the time passes slow and almost still
The space can't be used, it's an eerie chill
The air is clear but we restricted the joy
of venturing out of our homes to enjoy

We have to stay locked in to have a chance
The empty streets a distant romance
The deaths being held somehow at bay
by our special workers toiling away.

Pay them the respect they so deserve
Heed their words and help them serve
Stop spreading around the rumour mill
It's finally time to stay completely still!