Lockdown weighing you down

It's been over a month and we've somehow endured,
The word lockdown seems to have been burned in our brain;
It isn't lifting soon, it will take it's time, it's just as we feared,
That's no reason to let yourself loose and go down the drain!

Sure, we're sitting at home bored out of our skulls,
even classes are now stopping, no more morning sulks,
What else is left to do, you ask, chomping away?
Stress and boredom eating is the new disease here to stay!

We want to try and emulate the masterchefs, one and all,
we experiment with wonderful looking foods and drink,
we make delicious eatables that are hard to resist and we fall
prey to the perils of our own calories, no matter what we think!

Those lovely fried fritters, those golden brown potatoes,
Those awesomely stuffed burgers with just a hint of tomatoes,
Those cheesy sandwiches and pizzas with toppings all over,
those chocolate milkshakes and ice creams for all us sugar lovers!

Most of us are already complaining of the weight we might gain,
We seem to be doing nothing but eating and laying;
but there is a simple way out, if we are ready to try it together,
Let's put aside an hour for exercising endeavours!

If you can't or won't do that, there is yet another way,
to abolish those cravings and make the eating go away;
Distract yourself when you feel like reaching out for food,
Play a game, read a book, go for a walk to change your mood.

Sit in front of your kids to stop if you have to,
They're experts at making us feel guilty about eating;
ask them to give you some work that you must do,
they'll squeal with joy, with permission to give you something punishing.

If that doesn't work either, this is the last straw,
Take a paper and pen and start to draw,
the food that you feel like eating the most,
Then log in again and finish reading this post! 

Death in lockdown

Dealing with death is one of the hardest things to do,

Young or old, rich or poor, him or her, me or you,

We all are affected equally you see, it doesn't discriminate,

It doesn't see the time or situation, it just doesn't wait!

On a regular basis, we somehow find a way to cope,

With friends and family, there's always someone to give hope;

but how, just how can you deal with it during these times,

when the world is on lockdown and dying seems a crime!

There is but one person allowed to accompany the dead,

The ambulance drivers and helpers filled with dread;

Was it the big bad scary virus that did the person in?

Was this a way for repenting for all their sins?

What if it was just an existing disease that ran its course?

What if it was those sudden things coming down with force?

All you want is for the dead to pass on towards heaven in peace,

All you need is some support, a certificate and some ease!

Before you go getting all depressed about what happened,

Spare a thought for those passing on for a minute;

Do you think they are sad if they know they're about to go,

Or just relieved that their long life has finally played out just so.

With young deaths, I can understand the feeling of confusion,

We run around seeking a reason for what seems a delusion;

The fact that we are in the state we are makes it worse,

People eyeing you with suspicion, weary eyes and what seems a curse!

It could be more difficult for those in the public eyes,

to have some dignity when one of those famous dies;

Everyone starts bringing up the reasons for the demise,

justifications, deliberations, judgements and words from the wise.

If only he did this, if only she did that, if they didn't listen or do,

The rumour mills start working overtime like feeding at a zoo;

At times like these, we require some faith and kindness,

but all we get from the public is apathetic blindness!

If you've the misfortune of dealing with someone dying or close to it,

turn it on its heels and use all your courage, strength and wit;

Make the most of the time you have at home with the ones you love,

You never know when they will get the call from above!

Spend quality time, enjoy each others company and trials,

Work out your problems, forget the past and look forward to the smiles;

Each minute is precious when you don't know when you might go,

Make every second count, stay positive and never give up hope!

If it does actually happen, try and change the way it always is,

Celebrate the joyous life that was, instead of the death that you diss;

Raise a toast to the departed and take solace in the fact that no matter what happens you are never alone, 

your real friends will somehow always find a way to reach you via a message, a chat, video call or the phone!   

Stay Calm and ARRRGHHH!

What a state we've all been put in,
seems like we're paying for all our past sins, 
We're under house arrest enforced upon mankind,
and we're all about to lose our minds!

For those living alone, I feel for you,
housework, cooking, cleaning and lots to do
You may not know it yet, but you're lucky,
One look at us and you won't feel so mucky!

For those nuclear families with just one child
Grumbling away about the problems you've filed;
You've got it best, I promise to you,
with company and lots of things to do!

That one child will occupy your time, 
Will make you play and sometimes whine,
They'll leave you alone when you scream,
but also share a bite of their ice-cream!

For those with children 2 or more,
you're screwed right up to your very core;
No matter how nice you pretend to be,
you're in devil mode and more already!

You're already prepared to rip out some hair ,
yours, mine, the kids or anyone's anywhere;
You can't sleep, watch tv or even piss in peace,
you'd gladly pay double the school fees!!

For all the teachers out there, mad respect!
You manage all our kids at our behest,
you keep in them check, God knows how,
I bow down to thee forever and now.

For all those saying none of this is true,
thank the stars that we're locked down too.
Cause I would call out your lies,
and prove you wrong in front of your own eyes!

Reality check, we all love our families,
but we need time off them, if you please,
When that's not possible in times like these,
There is one thing you can do to feel at ease.

My sincere advise, once in a while, SCREAM!
Shout till you're hoarse and be very mean,
Let your ugly side out to play,
The lockdown is here to stay!

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!