COVID RHYME
Once because of Covid many stations closed the slopes.
Reopened now with safety rules and pious hopes,
they welcome sportsmen wearing masks from near and far.
How fast we have adapted -- lucky skiers that we are!
Yes, skiing is a genial therapy against the Covid blues.
We crave the sun, the pristine snows, the mountain views!
Behind our sporty masks we smile in bold resistance,
conscious of the dangers, keeping vital distance.
Although ski-restaurants are closed, at least there’s take away.
We pause in open air to drink Ovomaltine mid-day,
remove our masks -- perhaps prized souvenirs someday,
collectibles for brave survivors of this tragic Covid play.
And yet, despite uncertainty and fear,
we persevere, perform our common task.
I see you smiling too behind your mask,
we trust in God and snow -- and pray for cheer!
Silence reigns on peaks and glaciers, ice reflecting sun.
No sound we hear – but skis that glide upon the snow ...
-- near us, hushed peau de foque and rackets climb the run,
while we descend in ecstasy beneath the golden glow.
We breathe this hallowed silence as we heed an inner voice,
admire the glorious spectacle and gratefully rejoice.
Second nature – skiing is such sweet addiction,
memories of arduous racing – better yet than fiction!
Never get enough of satin slopes. . . But soon, we know,
wild aster, gentian and Edelweiss replace the snow.
© Alfred de Zayas
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