Untamed Beast

If COVID was a critter it would be a gnarly beast. Running roughshod over neighbors and not caring in the least. From a distance it looks friendly, on a leash and still obeying But try to take its temp and it will bite you, I’m just saying.

It creeps on down the canned goods aisle; it lurks behind the cheese. It laughs like a hyena if you hear a lady sneeze. It’s chewed up all the paper goods and left the shelving bare. If you have a big bad mess on “two”, it really doesn’t care.

It’s urinated on each door, be it gym or bar or deli. Don’t even try to open them, the contents will be smelly. Your take-out sits upon your step, the driver bids adieu. The soup is cold, the bun feels old when COVID cooks for you.

It loves all sports, but never does this COVID beast play fair. It steals the ball, then takes it back into its germy lair. The wise coach says, ‘Just walk away!’, but players still are stewing. The beast just grabs another team and happily keeps chewing.

When testing comes back positive, which mask will the beast wear? Sometimes it simply licks your cheek, or sniffs you unaware. But other times it bites. Or grabs your throat and won’t let go. Which will it be? The game is cruel. You don’t know…’til you know.

The vaccines – our knights in armor – are so close. They’re almost here. We’ll grab the beast, restrain it, and then jab it in the rear. But until that time, my friends, shut all the windows. Turn the locks. Let’s hunker down. Don’t let it in when COVID comes and knocks.

by Karen Wheeler, DVM