An Introduction to the Anthology

Beneath this mask there is more than flesh, beneath this mask there is creativity, and creativity is virus-proof. This anthology is dedicated to everyone who is fighting the coronavirus. While the world hits pause, creativity continues to bloom. Thus, the selection in this anthology focuses directly on lockdown, quarantine, isolation, social distancing, fear, boredom and other relevant matters arising from the COVID-19 outbreak.

This collection of poems is the distinctive work of many creative minds who are making sense of the current situation. The Lockdown Creative, born out of a need for contact with other writers and readers, believes that art speaks. Poems carry emotions so deep it touches readers’ heart and soul. Though segregation is helpful in alleviating the spread of coronavirus, we reckon now more than ever it’s important to feel emotionally connected with one another. Therefore, we wanted to create a space for poems to speak and connect us in troubling times.

Below is an example, written by our very own Ellie Keung @ellie_elephant_kky

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Knock, knock

Is anyone there

There to listen, there to show care

There to pad my shoulder while I share

Knock, knock

Is anyone there

Knock, knock

Can someone come near

Near to support, near to wipe a tear

Near to stop me from trembling with fear

Knock, knock

Can someone come near

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Regardless of where we are, we can find comfort in reading and writing poetry. Thanks to all incredibly creative contributors who have made this project possible, we could also connect and feel each other’s presence through poems. We hope these poems free you from loneliness and fear, we are all in this together. We hope you enjoy these poems and thanks for taking part in our project.

To submit a poem for our anthology, or get more information about our project, please email: businessofbooksg6@gmail.com