Quarantine by Bilal Shahid

Enforced within walls known intimately
Reminded perpetually of the tempestuous nature of blood
Coerced into turning leisure to time productively spent
A thousand disputes silenced by the passing of loved ones, a fabricated placidity
Pyres of frustration blazing endlessly
Fade at the broken voice of an elder
Still making itself heard, strengthened by ancient fortitude
“Just don’t let anyone else suffer from this”, will you still protest imprudently?

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Syed Bilal Shahid of XI-L (Leadership) is a combination of half a kg of cynicism and half a kg of positivity. In his words, he wrote the poem because Ms Umaima asked him to and he had some ideas to express.

The poem is based on the current situation all students are facing, quarantine and its restrictions. This poem reminds us why we’re following the rules imposed on us and why it’s necessary to abide by them.

When Bilal Shahid is not studying, you will find him reading, wishing he could fall asleep, writing and BASE jumping. He considers himself the future author, and his latest obsession is his bouncy hair.

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Cover Photo by United Nations COVID-19 Response