Oxygen for the depressing times

A time when the whole nation

is gasping for breath

pleading for oxygen cylinders, 

ventilators, medicines 

when family members, friends, close associates

are losing the battle to Covid

or Covid related failures 

A pall of gloom is all pervasive

While some poets also succumbed to the virus

many manage equilibrium, retain a sense of hope

by engaging with muse- either their own

or reading, listening to others on Zoom 

Yes, poetry it is, that's serving as a balm 

providing the life breath of oxygen

in these trying times... 

NB: This poem was composed when Covid 19 was at its peak during the second wave. It has now been included and published in the anthology "Breath Poetry: Reclaim your life" edited by Soul Scribers Society, Salem and printed by Authors Press, New Delhi