How the "Grinch" Stole Christmas

‘Twas a time before January

2020, the year

When a fast-spreading virus

struck those far and near.

The nurses and doctors

soon began to care

for those who were stricken.

The “Grinch” was everywhere!

Most folks in the world,

still snug in their beds

had no earthly idea

about this thing they’d soon dread.

People were sick

It was all over the news.

Across the vast oceans,

and much worse than the flu.

The “Grinch” had arrived.

Soon everyone chattered

about nothing else.

It was all that mattered.

We got in our cars

and made a fast dash

to get toilet paper and Clorox

for our own private stash.

The “Grinch” was just vicious,

spreading fast, it did grow

working quickly and quietly

touching people we know.

We spent several months

quarantined and in fear,

just hoping and praying

the “Grinch” wouldn’t appear.

We covered our faces

with masks we did pick.

In hopes that we wouldn’t

 soon become sick.

The months dragged on by,

our lives not the same.

The “Grinch” now took over,

and all knew its name.

Now, Evil and Cruel

and Stealer of time,

Creator of fear,

you’ve committed a crime.

You took away loved ones.

You stopped one and all

from seeing each other

from the spring to the fall.

The year 2020 will soon

pass us by.

No chance for reunions.

We all want to cry.

We want to have parties,

and hugs from our crew.

We want our lives back

and our family, too!

Oh, “Grinch” you have shaken

our lives to the core.

Just, please don’t come knocking

at any more doors.

You disguise yourself smartly

with a cough like a cold.

But without any warning,

you take young and old.

We’ve followed the rules,

no people we’ve seen.

Now we just wait our turn

to receive the vaccine.

Our plans for this Christmas

are little or none.

You’ve managed to squelch

every minute of fun.

The “Grinch” stole our Christmas,

our traditions so dear.

The ways we’d have celebrated

this blessed time of year.

But in spite of this evil,

this “Grinch” of our times,

let’s pray for the healing

of everyone’s lives.

Let’s look to the future,

be hopeful and bright.

And be thankful 2020

will soon be out of sight.