If you have not read this..see below. This poem brought tears to my eyes. On March 11, Irene Vella wrote a beautiful, moving poem about what Italy looks and feels like during the Corona virus. With some help from Google, I have translated this in English below. This may not match the original in Italian, but am certain it does give you an idea of her message. Have a look on Irene’s Facebook page to see the wonderful reactions from people.
Be safe, chin up. Love, Jos
Because spring knew nothing
– Irene Vella
It was March 11, 2020, streets were empty, shops were closed, and people were staying at home
Spring knew nothing about it
And flowers kept rising and opening
And the sun continued to shine
And the swallows returned
And the sky turned red and blue
In the morning the bread dough was kneaded and the turban breads were put in the oven
It was getting darker later and in the morning the light came in early through the ajar windows
It was March 11, 2020, young people studied online
And in the afternoon, as usual, the tressette card game awaited
It was the year when you were only allowed to go outside to do your shopping
Everything closed soon
Also the offices
The military began to guard all exits and borders
Because there was not enough room for everyone in the hospitals
And people got sick
But spring knew nothing, and the shoots continued to sprout
It was March 11, 2020, everyone was required to be quarantined
Grandpas and grandmas, families and also young people
Then it got really scary
And every day looked alike
But spring knew nothing, and the roses bloomed again
The pleasure of eating together was rediscovered
To write and give free rein to imagination
To read and let yourself be carried away by fantasy
Some who learned a new language
who went to study and took that last missing doctoral exam again
who understood what it is like to really love with full attention
who stopped taking ignorance for granted
who closed their office and opened a bistro with just only eight seats
Who left a fiancé to shout the love for his best friend from the rooftops
There were those who became doctors to help anyone who might need help any day
It was the year when people recognised the importance of good health and genuine affection
The year when the world seemed to stand still
And in which the economy perished
But spring knew nothing, and the flowers gave way to fruit
And then the day of liberation came
We sat in front of the television and the prime minister told live on all media that the state of emergency had come to an end
And that the virus had lost
That all Italians had won together
And then we took to the streets
With tears in our eyes
Without masks and gloves
embracing our neighbour
like it was our brother
And that was when summer arrived
because spring did not know
and continued to be there
Despite everything
Despite the virus
Despite the fear
Despite death
Because spring knew nothing
and everyone learned
What the power of life is…
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