The Covid-19 vaccine season and a shot of happiness
allan@khaleejtimes.com
Filed on December 17, 2020 | Last updated on December 18, 2020 at 09.29 am
Photo: Alamy
'While maintaining social distancing, I am reaching out to touch grief, getting closer to it and then letting it go.'
Only the vaccine matters, I am thinking one evening about a horrible year gone by while listening to Andy Williams crooning a classic that has defined the season. Millions of vaccines developed by different pharma companies are being supplied across the world. The gloom is dissipating over opinionated conversations.
I swipe my phone to check some messages. They can’t wait because I am gripped by some illogical fear of catching up and the fear of losing out. I have to say something, anything, on those 20 groups that have given a convoluted meaning to my virtual existence. I am here because I exist in splendid isolation there with all the chatter and disputes surrounding me. But Andy sees it differently, and his optimism is flowing through the music. He’s old-fashioned and I am too — when it comes to music. I like melody, harmony, and some heavy metal or hard rock thrown in when I am in the mood. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the hap-happiest season of all, with those holiday greetings when friends come to call,’’ Andy sings with some inexplicable divine elation and joy as if nothing has happened in 2020. He’s oblivious to the pain and suffering which makes me angry.