Unprecedented

“Unprecedented,” they say.  

I had it planned out – senior year – smooth sailing: 

Athletic victories. 

Academic closure. 

Senior traditions.  

Memories in the making just waiting to be made, 

Until smooth sailing became a bumpy ride. 

“Unprecedented,” they say. 

Not just school but life.  

Empty shelves. 

Eerie loneliness. 

Social Isolation.  

Inconvenient?  

Well here’s some perspective: 

Unemployment. Sickness. Death.  

They say we’re living through the pages of history.  

"Unprecedented,” they say. 

I’ve ever heard that word used so before, 

With its almost remorseful, hopeless tone.  

Does it have to be that way?  

Is it possible for uncharted territory  

to be dangerous and advantageous for science, 

devastating and revitalizing for humanity? 

Simultaneously good amidst the bad. 

A pandemic of change.  

Unprecedented.