NEB Grade 11 1st poem Corona Says By Vishnu S. Rai

 1^st poem

                                                    Corona Says

                                                           By Vishnu S. Rai 

The poem Corona Says by Vishnu S. Rai is a short but powerful message from the corona virus to humans. In the poem, the virus speaks as if it is a living character. It says it did not come to kill people but to make them realize their mistakes. Humans have been harming nature, polluting the earth, and living with greed. The poem reminds us that the Earth is not only for humans but for all living beings. It teaches us to respect nature, live simply, and stay in harmony with the environment.

About the Poet

Vishnu S. Rai is a modern Nepali writer and poet. He writes about society, culture, and global problems. His poems often make people think deeply. In his poem Corona Says, he shares his thoughts on the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affected the world.

Setting

The poem Corona Says is set all around the world. It talks about how the coronavirus affected people in every country. It shows the fear, confusion, and deep thinking that the pandemic caused everywhere.

Tone

The tone of the poem is serious and thoughtful. The virus speaks like a person and tells humans their mistakes. Sometimes, the tone feels like it is blaming people for harming nature and being selfish.

Themes

• Human Harm to Nature: People are damaging the Earth by using too many natural resources.
• Nature’s Revenge: The virus shows how nature fights back when it is hurt.
• All Are Equal: The virus does not care if someone is rich or poor—it affects everyone.
• Need for Change: The poem tells us to change our ways and live more kindly and simply.

 

Summary in short

Corona Says by Vishnu S. Rai is a poem where the corona virus speaks to humans. It blames people for being greedy, selfish, and for harming nature. The virus says it came as a warning, not just by chance. It reminds humans that their careless actions are the reason for the pandemic. The poem teaches that if people do not respect nature, more problems may come in the future.

Summary In detail

The poem Corona Says is written by Vishnu S. Rai, a well-known Nepali poet. In this poem, the corona virus is given a human-like voice. It talks directly to people and explains why it has come into the world. The poem is written during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected the whole world.

The poem begins with the virus saying that it did not come to kill humans, but to give them a strong message. It wants people to realize how they have been destroying nature and living with pride and selfishness. Humans think they are the most powerful and that the Earth belongs only to them. They have been cutting down trees, polluting rivers, and harming the environment for their comfort and profit.

The virus tells humans that their own actions brought this disaster. It says the pandemic is not a punishment from God or a natural accident, but a result of human mistakes. The virus forced people to stay indoors, stop their busy lives, and think deeply about how they are living.

The poem also reminds us that the Earth is not just for humans, but for all living creatures. The virus treats everyone the same – rich or poor, powerful or weak – showing that all humans are equal in front of nature.

At the end, the poem gives a lesson. It tells people to change their ways, live more simply, and respect nature. If they don’t, worse things might happen in the future. So, the poem is both a warning and a chance to change for the better.

 

Reference to the context

 a. What does the speaker mean when he says?

But have you ever counted
How many have died so far
Because of you and your wars?

These lines from "Corona Says" by Vishnu S. Rai the speaker personified as the corona virus criticizes humanity for its role in causing widespread death and suffering through war and violence. By asking if humans have counted the lives lost due to their own actions, the virus shifts the focus from the pandemic’s death toll to the long-standing human tendency for conflict and destruction.

The line highlights the irony of humans blaming the virus for deaths while ignoring the countless lives lost to war, political greed, and environmental destruction. It suggests that humanity’s own actions have led to more suffering than the virus itself. Through this reflection, the speaker encourages readers to confront the darker aspects of human nature and question the true source of global suffering.

b. What does the speaker mean in the following lines? Explain.

The earth is not your property alone –
It’s as much ours as yours.

These lines express the idea of shared ownership and responsibility for the Earth. The speaker is likely addressing someone or a group that acts as if they have exclusive control over nature or resources. By emphasizing that "the earth is not your property alone," the speaker highlights that the planet belongs to everyone – including other people, animals, and future generations.

The second line, "It’s as much ours as yours," reinforces equality in this shared ownership, urging respect for the environment and consideration for others who depend on it. This can be interpreted as a call for collective stewardship and environmental justice, rejecting exploitation or selfish use of natural resources.

Reference beyond the text

a. What human behaviors are responsible for suffering in people’s lives?

Human behaviors such as greed, exploitation, and environmental destruction contribute significantly to suffering in people’s lives. The relentless pursuit of wealth and power often leads to inequality, poverty, and the degradation of natural resources. Disregard for the environment, through deforestation, pollution, and overconsumption, disrupts ecosystems and increases the likelihood of disasters and health crises. Violence, war, and social divisions create further harm, displacing communities and fostering long-term trauma. Additionally, neglecting health, hygiene, and mental well-being exacerbates suffering, while overcrowding and overpopulation strain resources and living conditions. These behaviors highlight the urgent need for compassion, cooperation, and sustainable practices to reduce suffering and build a more just and harmonious world.

b. How does an epidemic differ from a pandemic? Briefly explain the impact of Corona Virus on human life and environment.

An epidemic is the rapid outbreak of a disease that spreads within a specific geographic area or population, affecting many people at once. It remains localized to a region or country and can often be contained with public health measures. In contrast, a pandemic is a global outbreak of a disease that spreads across countries and continents, impacting a large portion of the population worldwide. Pandemics, such as COVID-19, are harder to control and require international cooperation and large-scale intervention to mitigate their effects.

The Corona virus pandemic had severe impacts on human life and the environment. Millions of lives were lost, and healthcare systems faced immense pressure, exposing gaps in medical infrastructure and preparedness. Economically, businesses shut down, unemployment rose, and global supply chains were disrupted. Socially, isolation and uncertainty led to a rise in mental health issues. However, the environment saw temporary benefits as lockdowns reduced industrial activity and transportation, leading to cleaner air and lower carbon emissions. Despite this, the increased use of plastic, medical waste, and disposable masks posed new environmental challenges. The pandemic highlighted the need for stronger health systems and more sustainable interactions with the environment.