“A Grief Letter to COVID” poem by Layel Camargo

Aug 4

At the peak of a global pandemic, mixed with emotions and fears. All I could do was take to the pen. Unexpectedly I wrote a letter that would never be replied to...

‘COVID you ravaging monster.

If you could, please listen.

I don't know why the universe brought you to us.

Somehow, in a sick way...

I feel like maybe we needed you.

Do I need to thank you?

I mean, you've been taking on a bigger beast.

You keep showing us who's really to blame.

That even in a crisis, we are the last to be protected.

Last to be seen.

Last to be vaccinated.

Hit first, hit hard, we are hit...

hit…

and hit.

COVID, you ARE our wake up call.

You are reminding us that no matter what,

WE need to save us,

care for us,

WE got US.

COVID, you literal virus.

You spread, and no sea, land, or distance is a barrier for you.

Stop taking our family.

Stop taking our loved ones.

Leave my family alone.

COVID, we're done.

We're breaking up with you.

We're breaking up with the systems keeping us down.

This abusive relationship NEEDS TO STOP.

We will draw tarot cards.

Cast protection spells.

And pray.

Oh God, how we have prayed.

But we're done.

Take this as a warning.

A warning to the greedy.

A warning to the supremacists.

A warning to the systems that be.

We are done being seen last.

We are done being ignored.

We demand vaccinations NOW.

We demand healthcare NOW.

We demand pay to stay home.

COVID. Slow us ALL down.

So that our loved ones can recover.

So that we can curve the spread.

So that we can fight for more vaccines.

This is our last call.

So COVID, go away to where you came from.

And while you're at it, take the greed, take the racism,

Take the injustices to us, our kinship, and our planet.

Take everything that isn't working with you, and go away.

Sincerely, The people who are sick of this shit.’

Layel Camargo