With sadness, dear readers, I'm here to review

The words of the year we've all just been through.

The language we used in this time of duress

Reflected our anger, despair and distress.

The virus infected not only our lungs,

But spread a pandemic of terms on our tongues.

"Corona," "the rona" and "COVID-19"

Brought "face masks" and "lockdown" and "strict quarantine."

Doc Fauci advised us that we should observe

"Abundance of caution" to "flatten the curve."

A "global pandemic," he hastened to add,

Is "uncharted water"; it's gonna be bad.

Intense "superspreaders" afflicted the nation.

The cautious among us chose "self-isolation."

"Essential workers" all issued a plea

For "masks," "respirators" and more "PPE."

From "Wuhan" to "wet market," we picked up the jive:

"Remdesivir," "Cares Act" and "N95."

Officials forewarned us to "shelter in place,"

To "socially distance" and all "contacts" trace.

America "pivoted" to a "new normal,"

While "working from home," our dress was informal.

For "distance learning," we joined "breakout rooms."

Both children and parents hopped on and off Zoom.

"Unmute yourself!" "Can you see my screen?"

"Turn on your camera, or you won't be seen!"

Perception of time soon started to fray,

As days interblended, each one a "Blursday."

And many new terms we started to see:

"Zoom bomber," "covidiot," "reflugee."

Amid all this turmoil, so many did grieve

At hearing the frantic cry, "I can't breathe!"

"Defund the police!" "End white privilege!"

"Systemic racism" was deemed sacrilege.

"Black lives matter!" did many exhort,

But, "All lives matter!" was soon the retort.

"Antifa" and "Proud Boys" each formed their own crew,

While "QAnon" theories pumped up "boogaloo."

As if all this trouble just wasn't enough,

A bitter election began to get rough.

"And here's the deal" was Biden's MO.

Trump dubbed him a "socialist" and "Old Sleepy Joe."

When tallies were in and Biden was picked,

Trump blasted out charges of "fraud," "steal" and "fix."

Immune to the flu, cliches spread like poxes;

We stirred "secret sauce" and "checked all the boxes."

With "def," "stan" and "hella," our teens "humble bragged,"

And into our parlance, poor "Karen" was dragged.

Despite every challenge that we've had to weather,

We've cherished the truth that "we're in this together."

Rob Kyff, a teacher and writer in West Hartford, Connecticut, invites your language sightings. Send your reports of misuse and abuse, as well as examples of good writing, via email to [email protected] or by regular mail to Rob Kyff, Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.

Photo credit: Free-Photos at Pixabay