Cootieville

Every human in Cootieville hated 2021 a lot

Those who met COVID and those who did not

At first it seemed there was little to fear

Of a virus named after a light Mexican beer

But then Corona became nasty, changing its name

First Delta, then Omicron, it wanted more fame

Its high rate of contagion filled the people with dread

“Refrain from talking moistly,” our Prime Minister said

This red spiked sphere will strike you down

So all the leaders of Cootieville closed up the town

The people detested the year—every single season!

We all know why. The pandemic was the reason.

The humans were told to be socially distant

And follow politicians’ advice EVEN if inconsistent

They purchased masks and bought toilet paper rolls

For a while it seemed like Doug Ford had control

But then it dragged on, they all felt the malaise

Their PM Trudeau said “No more sunny days”

Stuck in isolation, their worlds grew quite small

I think for many, this was the biggest challenge of all

For the people of Cootieville, Cooties for short

Found out they needed one another for all kinds of support

(and not just for the goods they import)

They liked being together and holding hands

Singing and dancing to real live music bands

The children missed playing and going to school

They even missed teachers and all those darn rules

Restaurants suddenly became like a lab

Entry only for those who had proof of two jabs

But then something happened, something brand new

Even as frightening reports kept coming from WHO

The Cooties got working, looked for solutions

Injustice was highlighted and they joined a revolution

The virus had taught them a lesson you see

No one is safe until all humans are free

Scientists, epidemiologists, and regular folk

Began to fill all the Cooties with stories of hope

Vaccines were developed and given for free

Well okay, mostly to countries who were bourgeoisie

But the most powerful lessons of inequities laid bare

Is what made all the Cooties much more aware

They thought of something they hadn’t before

Compassion for all can’t be bought from a store

Instead of saying “It’s good the year’s over, finished and done

I’m so sick of this Ground Hog Day re-run”

The Cooties now welcomed the new year ahead   

“Good health for everyone” is what they said

They banded together and did what they could

To think of others beyond their own neighbourhood

They knew that COVID might linger and stay

But they hollered out behind masks “Happy New Year Anyway”