Photo Call COVID-19
Coronavirus is devious beyond measure and we cannot beg it to reveal its next target because its number is not listed so we can’t leave a voice mail. We cannot send a direct message (DM) either, since it is not on social media. How could it, when it is so anti-social?
Photo Interpretation
1. Pic was shot at night. We are in the dark basically. Scientists are in the lab around the clock trying to corner the Scarlet Pimpernel virus.
2. This archway has two interpretations. It tapers off which means the virus will be contained eventually or our countries will have fewer people because of it.
3. The archway has, what looks like microscopic images. They are in different shapes. They represent the virus’ upper hand because some images look like dancers laughing at us.
4. The archway is made of something solid like steel, and represents our steely resolve to remain strong, despite.
5. The photo has lights, spread like branches or tall like towers. They could be countries. They represent the virus, its havoc, how governments and health officials are trying to contain it.
6. The photo also raises some questions. For example, why is the tree on the right still green like a spruce, one of those trees that never lose their leaves in winter? Why is the virus more active in some places and low key in others? Travel you say, which explains its prevalence in New York, a city like the ocean because species of all shapes, sizes and colors live in it. That is why it is so sad to see a beached whale.
7. The virus loves piggyback, that is why travel is the major contributing factor but the red spots in the photo represents possible COVID-19 swamps, because we have not been tested. I went online looking for testing centers around Winnipeg, capital city of Manitoba, a Canadian province notorious for minus zero temperatures. It has reported 1 death, as of 31 March, 2020. Everything I read discouraged just walking into a clinic. You must be referred by your doctor. Poor doctors, they must be inundated with requests for COVID-19 testing. They are not going to refer healthy people and Canadians are a healthy lot because we don’t pay for going to the doctor, blood work, X-rays, having an operation or being seen by specialists. We are also closely monitored. Your physical is due. Your cancer check is due. Bring back the baby after three months. Last year, I went to the pharmacy for my medication. He said it was my last re-fill. The doctor wants to see me before renewing the prescription. Oops! I didn’t go to her because I was not sick. You pay for your drugs but medical care is free. Correction. Our health care comes from taxes. No problem. We are heavily taxed but we know where the money goes. We just pay dentists and surgery to change or enhance body parts, for reasons best known to ourselves.
8. Coming back to this coronavirus image, is there light at the end of the tunnel? It depends how you interpret this photograph.
By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.
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