Hi, everyone! Welcome.
Colleen Chesebro from Colleen’s Weekly Poetry Challenge picked the two synonyms for this week’s challenge. Remember, there are many ways to use these words.
Here are your two words:
Idea & Fancy
He’ll make love to the seven continents
and his offspring will rule the masses
but before then –– we surrender
to our desire to be led
the “We” campaign begins
a government scheme
Bring on the chaos
and they will
come to
me
I have so many questions bouncing around in my mind about what’s going on in the world as it pertains to COVID– 19. I’ve been thinking a lot about the aftermath of this pandemic. What is going to happen to all the small businesses that are now closed? Will they recover? Will the school system be irrevocably affected? What changes will be made to the government?
We’re still a ways away from a vaccine, so when will isolation and social distancing end? When will people be allowed to go back to work?
How will this experience change our mindsets? Our mindsets shape our thought habits. And our thought habits affect how we think, what we feel, and what we do.
Now, we also have the Bill Gates coronavirus conspiracy theory to think about, too. I know I can’t be the only one with questions spinning out of control in my head. What are you thinking about? How do you handle the stress and anxiety that comes with all these questions?
***
The Writer Next Door | Vashti Q 
It seems there are those who relish chaos. I just want the insanity to go away and for peace and integrity to rein. It’s exhausting.
A nice write Vashti.
Pat
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I agree, Pat. Chaos has a way of making certain groups of people one-minded and drawn to dangerous scenarios. I just want this to be over and for everything to go back to normal, but I don’t know if that’s realistic at this point. Thank you, my friend. 😀 xo
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Your thoughts speak volumes, dear Vashti. ♥♥♥
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Thank you, Billy Ray. I appreciate you for saying that. 🙂 ❤
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A timely post indeed, Vashti. Here in Australia, our lockdown laws are far stricter than in many other countries, and I’m so very thankful for that. Our Prime minister is a strong and compassionate leader, and we are aware that it may take many months before the restrictions are lifted. One thing for certain is that all of us, regardless of race creed or location are in this together, and the future is shrouded in a thick fog of uncertainty. We stand as one species united again against a common foe. My questions are always tinged with a measure of hope. ❤
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Australia is doing well from being #23 12 days ago to #33 today with low number of cases and deaths. Yes, Soooz, your Prime Minister is a great leader. There’s freedom in the US but in a time like this, freedom gets us going everywhere.
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Freedom always comes at a cost. We all hunger for it, yet we’re aware that to take it without thought for others may well have unintended consequences. Remaining positive in these troubled days weeks or months is even more difficult, yet I have absolute faith in our ability to survive until we thrive again. Stay safe and well, my friend.
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At a time like this, we can see the immediate consequences in this country. Just hope the people who take this crisis seriously maintain their calm to rise above the situations. I’m glad the young people like my daughter and son-in-law practiced social distancing early on.
Stay safe, Soooz.💖
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Very inspiring words, Suzanne. Australia’s number of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths are much lower than ours in the USA, so your Prime Minister is doing something right. One of my biggest concerns which I forgot to mention are the homeless. What is being done about the homeless people? There’s nothing in the news about this, and I haven’t seen anything about it online. They can’t stay home. I try to remain positive and optimistic, but it’s getting more and more difficult because I’m not getting the answers I need. Stay safe and healthy, my friend. ❤ xo
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The homeless are always on my mind, having traveled that road myself. I know that The Salvation Army and other charities here have been offered assistance from our government to provide shelter and food. I’ve not yet seen the figures on how that is going. I agree with you, my friend that remaining positive is so very hard. I keep looking for the light at the end of the tunnel and hoping like hell it isn’t a train.
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I wish we had that kind of leadership. 😥
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It saddens me that you don’t, my friend. Stay safe and well. xo
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That’s a chilling poem, Vashti. My mind swirls with ideas and a lot of them aren’t good. I have to turn the news off, yet I wake up and check it first thing. My hope was this would draw us together, but I worry we are still firmly spilt. I tell people I’m handling this spiritually. So far they dont know how to respond. Maybe that’s good? Stay safe and have a peaceful weekend.
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We’re a lot alike, Denise. I don’t want to continue to listen to the news, but I need to know what’s going on. I’m all for us coming together, but not in a psychological “Group Mind” type of way. Sometimes it feels like the government is using the media to fuse people’s minds into a collective way of thinking.That’s always dangerous. You have a safe and healthy weekend, too! ❤ xo
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This is such a timely poem, Vashti. We have too many questions with no answers.Even though there are good examples of practices in the world, not all the leaders are humble enough to learn from them. While these leaders are not willing to learn from others, they don’t know how to lead us out of the situation, and while they’re trying to find their way out, a lot people and businesses fall by the wayside. All we can do right now is protect ourselves and others and encourage others to do the same. I do pray for the world leaders for whatever reasons, they take the right steps and turn this world around. Let’s stay safe.
Have a nice weekend, Vashti!
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Thank you for your wise and insightful comment, Miriam. I agree, we have so many questions and not enough answers. I have friends and family whose businesses are closed, and they don’t know what will become of them after this is over. Will the government help them? Or will they only help the large corporations? What’s going to happen to all the people that are out of work? You’re right, I guess all we can do is take every precaution to stay safe and healthy, and be kind and helpful toward one another. You have a great weekend, too! ❤ xo
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The small businesses are eligible for the government loan through the bank. I have an after school program which is closed for the rest of the school year. The banks as well as the city hall where I got the license called me. I don’t need it so I don’t know the logistics.
As far as the manufacturers, they may have to restart the business in phases because they may not have enough orders to resume the full operations all at once.
I imagine the students will go to the next grades in fall but without the testing, teachers have to rely on the school tests to place students if they need special services.
The recovery will be more challenging than 2008 like the middle wage positions. Right now I pray the cases and the death tolls will flatten soon. 💖
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Me too. Thanks for the answers, my friend. ❤
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You’re welcome, Vashti. ❤
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I’m trying so hard to not watch the news because it just infuriates me. Now, there are governors who are opening up beaches when we haven’t even hit our peak yet. UGH!
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That is frustrating! It’s just like a politician to put economy over the safety of the people. And people are calling Floridians dumb and crazy on social media like we’re at fault. First of all, everyone I know is staying home with the exception of those in the medical field. We’re all taking every possible precaution to remain safe and healthy. Besides, I would bet that the majority of those people at that beach in Jacksonville are tourists from NYC, NJ, Chicago . . . They’re tired of being cooped up in a tiny apartment with the view of cement and garbage, so they come down here, and when they heard the beach was open they ran to it. UGH! 😉 ❤
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I don’t know of a single person who has any intention of going anywhere when they “open the state.” We are keeping our healthy butts at home and letting other people be the guinea pigs for round two of the virus.
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Ha, ha. I hear you.
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prelude to a horror story…
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I agree. 😦
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It’s a difficult time! I’ve many questions myself, but I guess we need to take step by step, focus on the little things that give us pleasure and try to keep safe, not only us, but our family as well.
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You’re right, Elizabeth. It’s just that we’ve been cooped up for so long it’s easy to loose focus. Thanks for the reminder. 😀
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We’re going to get through this, but normal may never look the same way again.
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Hi, Craig. I have faith we’ll get through this, also. I fear what will happen after the lockdown comes to an end. I’m going to try to take it one day at a time, but it’s hard to prepare for the future when everything is so uncertain.
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We all are in the crisis of survival and health. In such a time coming up with such a post that gives an impact of introspection is a big thing. Kudos for the post!
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Thank you. I’m always thinking ahead, and that has its pros and cons. I appreciate your visit and comment. 😀
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So true–when we give power to those who are unworthy of it, chaos is the only result. Perhaps we will make better choices in the next election, though I have my doubts,,.(k)
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I’m still trying to figure out how we got here in the first place. I have my doubts about the next election, too. Thank you for your visit and comment, Kerfe. 😀
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Yes I feel the same way.
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I think that there are certain changes that will be permanent, while others will slowly creep back to normalcy.
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I believe you’re right about that, Mark. The question is which changes will remain? 🙂 Thank you.
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I guess we’ll find out eventually. 🙂
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Chaos is about everywhere – even my dog has been disturbed by coronavirus. With more people walking dogs, his fragile psyche is all kinds of disturbed. Good poem to describe the frustration with what is going on and how people/governments have handled it.
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I know what you mean. My dog has been acting disturbed, as well. I guess they’re confused by all the changes, and they must sense their human’s stress and anxiety. Good point. Thanks for bringing it up. I’m happy you liked the poem. I appreciate your visit and comment. 😀
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No problem! Have a great day!
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You do the same.😊
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Like you, I have lots of anxieties and unanswered questions. The Bill Gates conspiracy doesn’t stack up for me, but who knows. I wonder if this is a way of resetting the economy and forcing the changes to save the environment that no one had the will to implement. I am also thinking that a lot of shops and restaurants that I grew up with will be gone when all of this ends. I think forever.
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We definitely have a lot of the same thoughts and fears. The idea that the government could force the people to get vaccinated and then have a marker placed in our bodies is beyond scary. I don’t think it’ll happen by force, but may be suggested, and many people will do it simply because the government asked them to. Like you said, who knows? I’m extremely suspicious of the way this virus works––so different from any virus I’ve ever heard of or read about (I studied Microbiology). With the ability to map viral DNA couldn’t they have engineered this virus to function the way it does? With the overpopulation problem in most countries it’s quite convenient that this virus mainly kills the elderly and those with underline diseases (survival of the fittest?). Anyway, I can get carried away with this stuff, so please forgive me.
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You and I seem to think similarly, Vashti. This disease is Darwinism at its best.
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Vashti, I just offer one word: HOPE. This word encompasses all, absorbs all questions and thoughts, which prove useless. There is no doubt that it would take a long time to return to normalcy but we would be there one day – just keep that thought and discard anxiety, as it tells upon our health. Let’s do what we can and wait.
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You’re right, Balroop. It’s just that some days it’s easier said than done. I keep positive on most days, but every so often it all weighs down on me. Thanks for the reminder, though. ❤
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We all share your questions, Vashti. I don’t believe that life will magically go back to what it was before once they lift the restrictions. It will take years, if not decades for the economy to recover. And the politics? Hell, I don’t trust ANY of them, and that’s a sad state of affairs. We need a strong, kind and honest leader and we need him desperately! I love the poem. Great use of the prompt!
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Hi, Jan. Great comment! I understand it’ll be a while for the economy and everything else to get back to “normal,” but what happens in the meantime is what concerns me. There are a lot of people out of work, and many had to shut down their businesses. I’ve lost my faith in politicians. Even the ones that go into office with good intentions either become corrupted or give up. We do need a leader like you described, but is there such a leader? I hope so. I’m happy you enjoyed the poem. Thank you! ❤
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Vashti, your poem was poignant and thought-provoking. It is hard to know what or who to believe. I have always been an optimist so I believe we will come out of this stronger and better individuals IF we learn from this pandemic. Hopefully our world leaders will learn and are learning also. My prayers are not for the return to our previous normal, but to a healthier, safer, and more loving new normal.
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Thank you, Karen. I’m glad you like my poem. I’m an optimist also, but I don’t believe everyone will come out of this stronger and better. Many have lost family and friends to COVID– 19. Others have lost their jobs and some have had to shut down their businesses. Supposedly, the government will help everyone out, but who knows. I’ve managed to stay positive through all of this, but there are days I have to question everything. Thank you for your prayers. We should all pray for that. ❤
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Vashti, your thoughts and worries are much the same as mine. I know life will never be the same as before, and I search for the positives in that. There is a marked distinction of time… before and after. I know we’ll get through this with kindness, compassion, innovation, and grace. Trying to grasp the total aftermath of this is too much to carry. A day at a time is all we can manage right now… fill it with hope, but tears are okay, too. The human heart needs both. Stay well, my friend. Sending huge (((hugs))) across the miles. xo
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Well written, as always, Natalie. I just love the way you express yourself it’s very soothing. I know I should take it one day at a time, and stop trying to figure out the future. I usually am calm and positive about this situation, but sometimes I’ll see something in the news or read an article and it gets to me. I’m sure we’ll make it through this, too. Sometimes it’s difficult to see the end of the rainbow through the smog. Thanks for the hugs! Hugs and kisses! ❤ xo
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XO
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Sis, I think we all feel the burden of your worries in the same way. What totally freaks me out is how some people think the restrictions put in place to save their lives are now twisted into a belief that their (human?) rights are being violated. How can this be? Clearly, we have no leadership in our country. Your poem reflects the horror we all feel. It’s good to write them all out. ❤
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Yes, Sis! You’re right, it feels great to purge my negative feelings through a poem or story. I immediately felt relaxed after writing this post. I’m as confused as you are in relation to the “human rights” protests. I have seen news about police getting violent with people breaking the quarantine in other contries, but not in the US. So, I don’t understand what that’s about. I think some people just don’t know how to handle our situation. Take care of yourself. ❤ xo
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Those are all good possibilities, Vashti. Who knows what they think? They can’t see the big picture. Even if they go back to work, most of the world is not following suit. Who will buy their goods and services? And if you become sick at work, does that mean you can sue your boss for putting you in that situation? So much to think about! LOL! Stay safe as well. ❤
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You pose same questions I think we all are wondering. Your Etheree was haunting! I don’t anticipate anything good will come, more chaos, perhaps desperation, which could become dangerous. Hence, I don’t allow myself to focus on what might be. I try to stay in light taking it day by day. ❤
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Most of the time I’m calm and do take it one day at a time, but there are moments when these questions gnaw at my brain. Stay safe, my friend. ❤ xo
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I hear you girl! You too, stay safe! ❤
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This is the most difficult time which was unexpected, the virus is spreading very quickly. Our schools and colleges closed for the remaining of the year. The order stay at home is very serious matter. Our hospitals are confused and no treatment has found yet. I pray through this difficult times to everyone.
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None of us has ever experienced what we’re going through. I hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy, Mino. I appreciate your visit and comment. 😀 xo
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Hi Vashti. It’s so worrying I’m trying my best to br positive for the girls but it is difficult. We just have to hope that somehow a vaccine will be found. In the meantime we must sit tight and be patient. Easier said than done!
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Hi, Marje. I try to be positive, too, but like you said it can be difficult at times. None of us has ever experienced anything like this before. And the vaccine is going to bring another set of issues when it’s finally done. I guess we’ll have to take things one day at a time and hope for the best. ❤ xo
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Hi Vashi. Yes I try to be positive. My hubby tends to worry everyone as he tends to be more realistic perhaps. I hope we find a solution and earlier than he predicts! ❤ x
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My husband’s the same way, Marje. Me too! ❤ xo
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A very passionate and thought provoking write, Vashti. e are still so early into all of this, I know how difficult it must be for some and for others it must be a complete and total nightmare, including the homeless, sick, old and vulnerable. I hope in the end that common sense forces people to take the right measures and continue to adhere to them but I fear by then the consequences of not sticking with appropriate measures including lockdown periods will have serious ramifications. We all need to learn to look out for one another more and be conscious of those more in need than ourselves.
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I agree. Unfortunately, there’s currently a huge lack of common sense and empathy in this country. My family and I have been quarantined for over a month already and there’s no end in sight. You’re right, this is a time for being kind, generous, considerate, and selfless. Thank you! ❤
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I can totally empathise Vashti, I am currently quarantined with my Father and younger brother to keep my Father safe. Thank goodness we have our creative outlets to keep us busy and motivated, while we weather this storm. My heart goes out to you and your family at this time and I hope we start to see the tide of the virus turn in a few weeks. I don’t want to see our vulnerable members of society traded off for the economy any time soon!
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I don’t either, my friend. Thank God for my writing, books, drawing pencils, music, cooking, baking, and my favorite shows on TV. 😀 xo
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