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‘You’re way too pessimistic, Yersinia!’Â the young woman with the cheeky red dyed short haircut exclaimed and took a sip of her tea glass.
The Oriental beauty sitting opposite to her at a table for two in a small tea house at the marketplace shook her head with disagreement. Throwing back her long raven-black hair, she replied, ‘Remember that I was here on Earth more than 700 years ago on the same mission as you are now, Corona. Believe me, there are many things that can be changed – human nature is not among them. People will behave as cruel and careless as they did when I brought them the plague in the Middle Ages. They were not willing to realize that they are all interconnected and dependent on one another. And sadly they haven’t realized it up to now. I’m pretty sure of that.’
Now it was up to Corona to shake her head. Gesticulating wildly with her delicate hands, she said, ‘Don’t underestimate the enormous progress humankind has made in technology and medicine since the time you were among them. Nowadays information technology allows people to exchange news all around the globe within seconds. They are already well connected to one another, you see.’
‘Yeah, that’s amazing! But are they connected on a heart level, too? I mean, do people show compassion and care for one another?’ Yersinia objected.
‘Uhm no, that’s really a problem!’ Corona admitted. Nowaday, most humans are on a big ego trip, only focussed on their own problems and wishes,without paying attention to their neighbors. This is sad, but on the other hand it’s exactly the reason why you were sent here in the Middle Ages and why I am here now.’
’And I see you have already done a great job, sister! I’ve just read the new numbers of infections and lethal cases on this new internet thing. It’s amazing!’
Corona couldn’t help grinning. ‘It’s not as new as you think. Back to our topic: it’s people’s behavior I’m worried about. I hoped that they would finally work together in order to find a solution for the pandemic I initiated. But far from it! They started a race to develop a vaccine. And then they threw several new vaccines on the market without having tested them thoroughly. It was all about money. The big companies of industrialized nations got richer, while the poor fell down the wayside as always.’
‘Oh yeah, at my time in the Middle Ages it was the same… okay, almost the same.The rich ones tried to flee from me to their countries’ estates, while the poor had to stay in their usual precarious conditions. But I taught them all a lesson: no matter whether beggar or king, poor or rich – facing the plague they are all equal. I got them all. ‘
‘Nowadays, the authorities try to protect people against infection with covid-19 by ordering so-called lockdowns. Everybody is advised to stay inside their houses and to stay away from social gatherings. I wonder how people shall rediscover their interconnectedness, when they are separated by law and order? ‘
‘I know what you are talking about, Corona. In order to prevent the plague, they used to lock in infected people inside of their houses. Literally, by nailing boards in front of windows and doors. The infected persons died left alone, in pain, anxiety and despair…’
Shivers of horror ran down Corona’s spine.
’Unbelievable how cruel humans can be!’ she exclaimed. ‘But believe me, Yersinia: Times have changed, and humans have changed as well. Inhuman acts like these won’t happen again. Never ever!’
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Powerfully penned, Elke. A very clever write my friend, it kinda shows that humans never seem to learn. Excellent work, with a great message. Appreciate you.
Damian
Thank you so much for reading and writing such a kind and highly appreciated comment, dear Damian!
Interesting take on pandemics. They certainly were not handled very well, but the vaccine for the modern one was was handed out fairly, in general. It was new territory so mistakes were made. I got all my shots and am glad of it. I do agree that there were too many restrictions put on the public at least here in the US.
This piece really made me feel like I was sitting there with the two ‘women’. You certainly have a talented pen Elke. To be transported to the moment you describe is really a rare and wonderful talent. I’m happy the you share it with us. I’d be happy to slip and fall in your direction. 🉠💙
Your appreciation and encouragement made my day, dear Jim! 1001 times thank you!
Of course I exaggerated in my writing but anyway, I think that every crisis comes along with a learning task. I’m afraid, concerning the Corona pandemic humankind has failed the test.
You are a very good storyteller. To board people in their own homes to prevent the spread …yeah history did repeat itself with that. The difference is that people spoke online and got used to that, then speaking face to face. Thought-provoking piece.
Thank you so much for your kind and supportive comment dear FiĂ ! There are even more parallels: in times of the plague, many people tried to overcome their helplessness and desperation by celebrating hilariously on graveyards and other scary places. On these occasions people used to wear facial masks!