droplets, breath, air?
a virus that spreads through indifference
that laughs out loud, and multiplies
on seeing overconfidence
a virus that thrives on ignorance
growing, gallivanting, gleefully feasting
on a handful’s craving for power
on greed, that good old one
on mesmerising fear

mask, sanitizer, social distance?
yes, and courage and care
and dare
i say it
love
and giving a damn for someone else

praise, blame, stats?
the virus that someone sent
the virus that someone denied
the virus that someone fortified
the virus that no one understood
the virus that wracked your mother’s lungs
the virus that took your husband’s life
the virus that’s assaulting your cousin
the virus that killed your brother’s best friend

…………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

as our world turns upside down, as all sense of normality is rocked and shaken, as the unthinkable becomes everyday, perhaps it’s important, essential in fact, to record it in as many ways as possible. the featured photograph was taken on 13 march, 2021, during a morning walk on the victoria memorial grounds in kolkata. before the virus returned for a catastrophic second wave.

indrani’s index