A Pastime Poem by P M MANI

'Look dear, our milk and vegetables and
groceries are all over', said my wife. 'Ok dear, I'll go
now itself to buy it and I'll be back soon', I said so, and
came out of my house.
On reaching the Highway, I saw an Ambulance
dashing towards Asha Hospital. Just by anxiety or
curiosity I thought, I will go over there and see what's
the matter. There I saw some people carrying a patient
into the hospital. One security guard saw me and asked
me why I am not keeping 'Social Distance' and
shouted at me to go away.
I said, 'I have a doubt whether I have 'Covid',
you see, our 'Corona'.
Then he shouted more angrily, 'Go, go, don't
stand here'. Anurse heard this and said, 'Why! he isn't
wearing a `mask, don't stand here, go-go'.
Meanwhile, a doctor passing by (fully dressed
like an Astronaut) came near me and said softly,
'Father, please come and sit here'. And he did a P.C.R.
test on me. Then he said, 'You must go Quarantine

immediately'. I didn't know where it is and why.
Suddenly some more staff came running (All of
them wearing P.P.E. kit) and carried me to I.C.U and
laid me there.
They took 'Swab' from my throat and sent if for
Serological test. Here comes the result: - 'Positive'.
Doctors gave me Hydroxy Chloroquine
Sulphate regularly and intermittently my hands were
cleaned with 'Sanitizer'.
Life in the hospital - Oh, what to say! Very happy
and enjoying. Fully medicated food - Warm milk,
boiled eggs, Apple juice, Bananas, Sweets and Dessert
etc. all from time to time.
Beautiful Nurses - Angels - always around me
taking care. I didn't want to leave this place at all.
Once again they took my blood and sent it for
P.C.R. test. Here comes the result: - 'Negative'. Now I
am to go back home, they say. Oh, what to tell! I didn't
know whether I am lucky or unlucky. It was all like a
dream.
Next day, Doctors, Nurses, staff and all others
waving their hands, saying, 'Good bye'.
I just murmured, 'Thank you, Thank you'.

Now, Air Force Fighter planes flying up there in
the Sky, showering flowers on us: 'BIG SALUTE'.
Suddenly I heard a big blast of thunder. I woke
up. My wife was standing near me, 'I heard you saying
something in your sleep. There is strong wind blowing
and raining outside. It's already morning. Now, get up'
she said.
I slowly opened my eyes. I couldn't believe what
I saw was a dream.
After all, this life, isn't it a dream or a pastime.