The coronavirus is taking a heavy toll on people, especially during the quarantine and lockdown stages, where everyone is encouraged to stay home to prevent the outbreak. While many people are using the time to telecommute, binge-watch a series, or read their favorite book all over again, others, such as Latin Grammy-nominated Spanish artist Beatriz Luengo, are writing down their feelings.
In a heartfelt poem, which was inspired by the viral acts of unity in countries such as Italy and Spain, Luengo spotlights the importance of music and humanity in these challenging times. “I wrote it to demonstrate that music is saving people during this chaotic moment in Europe where everyone is locked up and how it’s a tool for people,” she tells Billboard. “This is an example of neighbors looking out for each other.”
The opening verse reflects on how in times of quarantine — when Disney World is shut down, Madrid is asleep, and the roads to Rome are empty — people are missing their everyday life. The following lines focus on the beauty of neighbors across the world taking care of each other.
“This demonstrates that music can save and demonstrates the value of neighbors. Europe as the United States lives the racism of not speaking to our neighbors and not knowing where they are from. In the end, you realize that in situations like these, your neighbor can show you many things and can help alleviate and make you have a good time. And they’re the person you have closest. That’s why it’s the strongest part of the poem. You miss everything, and you realize that your neighbor, who you never spoke to, is the closest person you have. [The poem] is also a bit about starting life from zero. That’s why I wrote it, and yes, I will most probably turn it into a song,” she adds.
Since its outbreak at the end of 2019 in Wuhan, China, more than 1530,000 people have contracted the disease, resulting in more than 5,700 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The disease has reached more than 140 countries and 46 U.S. states.
Basic protective measures against the novel coronavirus, according to WHO, include washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, maintaining social distancing at least three feet between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing, and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
For more information about COVID-19 visit the WHO or CDC websites.
Read Luengo’s poem, in Spanish and Italian, below:
