Hope is around the bend

Casey P. Schukow
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine


Recently, I saw some images;
I almost couldn’t comprehend;
But then I paused and had a wondrous thought;
That hope is around the bend.

It was of many cheering fans, who filled the stands;
At the PGA Championship, and Indy 500 race;
Over Memorial Day weekend, I realized;
That hope is in a not-so-distant place.

Since March of 2020, COVID-19;
Swept through our nation in a vicious rampage;
Cases and deaths climbed out of control;
Locking hope away in a cage.

Families were torn and masks have been worn;
To slow this virus’s spread;
But as vaccines take effect, I must recollect;
That hope has been brought back from the dead.

It seems we are turning a corner;
In a fight which appeared lost and wizen;
Seeing the faces of those jubilant fans;
Proved to me that hope is on the horizon.

Attending medical school throughout this pandemic;
Has been a unique experience, nonetheless;
As quarantines, and lockdowns, and potential exposures;
Put my sense of hope to the test.

There have been many days, I must admit;
This pandemic left me beaten and bruised;
But staying connected with my peers and loved ones;
Kept hope alive in the news.

While this pandemic is far from over;
Signs are apparent that one day it will end;
So let’s continue to rejoice, fight, and be patient;
Because hope is around the bend.