This is an entry to the In Trieste Poetry Competition, judged by poet and author Ayesha Salman. Two winners were chosen amongst the entries.
Beyond Troubled Times
by Sramana Basu
Somewhere in North East Italy,
Stands Trieste, our lovely port city.
Peaceful and calm,
It retains its own historic charm.
When the cloud of darkness hovered on Earth,
The city too was robbed of its mirth.
Smiling faces became a thing of past,
As masks, blue and white, took over pretty fast.
Happy hugs could no more be seen,
While the virus got insanely mean.
Crowded buses now went bare
Seats, strangers could no longer share.
Old bars and renowned cafes,
No more served the Aperol, nero or the lattes.
Bars that ones brimmed with men,
Stood deserted, like an empty den…
The old smiling man at the corner shop
Suddenly, was out of his job.
No more being out with a glass of grappa,
Or lazing by the sea with a tartufata.
The lively vibes of the city so beloved,
As if, they were almost dead…
The aura turned dark and grim,
Hearts filled with fear to the brim.
As mortal lives were cruelly lost
And clinic beds were falling short;
Many wondered, was this it ?
Will the lights of joy ever be lit?
Days passed and months passed
Yet, the town’s spirits couldn’t be crushed!
As Covid tries to wreck havoc,
Trieste stands strong as a rock.
However bad the situation may seem,
The city lights would never be dim.
The constraints are too much to bear
Yet the city fights the despair.
Bad times couldn’t curb its passion,
Printed masks now rock the fashion!
Now again it’s Christmas time,
Joys of the city are in their prime.
Sure, it is different this year
But the brave city does not fear.
As the virus still fights to grow,
The city graciously drizzles with snow!
Embellished pine trees stand tall in the square,
Soft laughters are floating in the air.
Lights are glowing all over streets
‘Buon Natale’ the door sign greets.
Restrictions do rule this year,
Time to gather isn’t yet near.
Visiting dear ones is an ordeal so great.
But that can’t break spirits or seal joy’s fate.
Whatever hurdles may come its way
The city shows a hope’s ray!
Folks are all busy to bake,
Cookies and Panettone- the Christmas cake!
So what, if outdoors one can’t dine?
Wine and home baked food is pretty fine!
It’s time to enjoy the season so precious,
While still being very, very, cautious!
Twinkling lights and decors all around,
Beautiful carols and sweet bells sound.
However much one wants, they’re free to shop,
Just maintaining distance, is the only job.
Slowly but surely, old days will come,
All the miseries will soon be numb.
As the year has come to a close,
The world is healing from all the blows.
With a New Year about to begin,
Good times shall again be seen!
