Simplify the Complex

 

 

What a weird theme!

That is for you to say

But ever since the COVID advent

We have lost our way.

 

“We are following the science”

The authorities constantly argue

But they that oppose also claim

“We are following it too.”

 

Both are following the science

And I am terribly confused

For the science I am hearing from both

Is of contrasting views.

 

It’s time to simplify this thing

For people like you and me

Who earnestly want to protect

Our friends and family.

 

 

When they are myriad opinions

The real news becomes lost,

So-called alternative facts surge

And only views come across.

 

The major is on the minors

The minors overrule the major,

Talk is the futile activity

With little significant labour.

 

Everybody has an opinion

Though as subjective as can be,

But of the objective and irrefutable-

The less of this we see.

 

Some say that the COVID virus

Was created in a lab,

Now that would give man god-status

And that would be very bad.

 

A virus is a form of life

And man cannot create life

So, to say that man created a virus

Is nothing short of strife.

 

Some say it originated in Wuhan

So, what can we do with that?

Even that appears to be an opinion

And an opinion is not a fact.

 

Much talk about the vaccine

To take or not to take,

Those that are for think it is effective

Those against believe it is fake.

 

Some say it is not a vaccine,

It does not guarantee immunity

While others say it’s an extra layer

In the fight against the enemy.

 

One thing that can’t be refuted

Is that we have a real pandemic,

And as the number of cases daily rise

There is the incidence of panic.

 

 

That COVID-19 is causing death

Only a fool would deny,

COVID-19 is as real as real can be

Just like mosquitoes and flies.

 

So, let’s set the record straight

And simplify the complex,

Let us straight talk about COVID

Regardless of who gets vexed.

 

It is almost two years now

And it is going nowhere fast,

Many have been the COVID victims

And many have also passed.

 

Around there is much dislocation

And many are unemployed,

And the attempts to thwart COVID

Are constantly being foiled.

 

It appears from where I sit

That the vaccine offers some respite,

The data show this relevant fact

Regarding this COVID fight.

 

So, it comes right down to a choice:

Whether to be ill or to die,

That the ill still has a fighting chance

I surely would not deny.

 

Fifty-one COVID deaths so far

Not one of these was vaccinated,

This strengthens my vaccine choice

Even if I am ill-fated.

 

For my wife sake I took it

When I was even less convinced,

So far so good, as I have heard say,

No repercussions since.

 

Still can happen, you’d likely say

But for me, it’s one day at a time,

Let’s wait and see and to conclude,

I won’t overload my mind.

 

Simplify the complex

Let us go with what we know:

Mask up, sanitize and physical distance

And a thought for others show.

 

Stewart Russell © September 6, 2021