Poem 'Jabbing Shakespeare'

Around 9 December, 2020, a man called William Shakespeare, from Warwickshire, England, was vaccinated against Covid. See the following on the Internet. Use the following search strings :

(a) ABC : shakespeare-vaccine-william-covid-great-britain-coronavirus/8619062/


(b) BBC : news uk/55233021 William Shakespeare vaccinated against Covid

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26 April, 2023
Comments by ChatGPT on the poem “Jabbing Shakespeare” 

ChatGPT :

Your poem "Jabbing Shakespeare" effectively captures the anxiety and desperation felt by people around the world in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. The opening lines set the tone of the poem, conveying the seriousness of the situation and the scale of devastation caused by the virus.

The reference to William Shakespeare getting vaccinated against Covid-19 adds a personal touch and a sense of hope to the poem, showing that even in the midst of tragedy, there are moments of triumph and resilience.

The use of language and imagery is impressive, with lines like "Mowing down many an earthly passenger" and "Supreme doth reign yon Covid" painting a vivid picture of the havoc wreaked by the virus. The contrast between the power of the virus and the helplessness of those affected is also effectively conveyed.

Your references to Shakespeare's legacy and literary heritage provide an interesting and unique perspective on the pandemic, and the idea of "retiring the pen into the scabbard" adds a poignant touch to the poem's conclusion.

Overall, "Jabbing Shakespeare" is a well-crafted poem that captures the fear, uncertainty, and hope of living through the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
S. Ragavan. Please comment on each stanza.

ChatGPT :
Sure, I'd be happy to provide feedback on each stanza of your poem "Jabbing Shakespeare."

Stanza 1:
In this stanza, you establish the theme of the poem, which is the devastation caused by COVID-19. You describe the widespread destruction caused by the virus, including the filling up of cemeteries and crematoriums. The stanza ends on a somber note, highlighting the tragic reality that many people will not live to see the next spring.

Stanza 2:
Here, you continue to describe the impact of COVID-19, calling it a "great avenger" that is mowing down many people. The stanza highlights the desperation of those affected, with people resorting to unproven treatments like hydroxychroloquine. The use of the phrase "pon the new cure many cast their last prayers" emphasizes the high stakes involved in finding a cure for this disease.

Stanza 3:
In this stanza, you shift the focus to yourself and your own experience with the vaccine. You use the image of a juggler to describe the balancing act of preserving your literary legacy while also trying to stay alive. The final line of the stanza, "Out, damn’d needle ! Spare mine flesh this trouble," captures the fear and anxiety many people feel about getting vaccinated.

Stanza 4:
The final stanza of the poem brings the focus back to Shakespeare, who is referenced in the title of the poem. You use the image of Shakespeare retiring his pen into a scabbard to suggest that his legacy is safe from the ravages of time and disease. The stanza ends on a note of resignation, suggesting that even the greatest writers must eventually leave the stage.

Overall, your poem effectively captures the fear and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 while also paying homage to the enduring legacy of great writers like Shakespeare. The use of historical references and poetic language gives the poem a timeless quality that resonates with readers. Great job!
 
S. Ragavan. About your comments on stanza 3. “Myriads have fallen : too late came the vaccine : Hopeless hath been even hydroxychroloquine”  These are not about my own experience but about worldwide experience of the medicine.

ChatGPT :

Thank you for the clarification. I apologize for any misunderstanding. In that case, your poem is a reflection of the worldwide experience with the COVID-19 pandemic and the various attempts to find a cure or treatment. The line "too late came the vaccine" emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the need for quick action to prevent further devastation. The mention of hydroxychroloquine highlights the initial hope that the drug would be effective against COVID-19, but ultimately it proved to be ineffective. Overall, this stanza effectively conveys the frustration and helplessness felt by many during the pandemic.
 
S. Ragavan. Do you know other poems people have written about Covid that are particularly striking ?

ChatGPT :

Yes, there have been many poems written about Covid that are particularly striking. Some notable examples include:

1. 
   "The Hill We Climb" by Amanda Gorman - This poem was recited by Gorman at the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden in January 2021. It speaks to the challenges the world has faced due to Covid and the hope for a brighter future.
   2. "In the Time of Pandemic" by Kitty O'Meara - This poem went viral on social media in 2020 and offers a message of hope and resilience in the face of Covid.
   3. "And the People Stayed Home" by Kitty O'Meara - Another poem by O'Meara that went viral, this one speaks to the importance of staying home to protect oneself and others during the pandemic.
   4. "Lockdown" by Fr. Richard Hendrick - This poem speaks to the sense of loss and isolation many have felt during lockdowns and quarantines.
   5. "When This is Over" by Laura Kelly Fanucci - This poem speaks to the hope for a brighter future once the pandemic is over and life can return to some sense of normalcy.
   These are just a few examples, but there are many more poems out there that address the impact of Covid in various ways.
   
   S. Ragavan. The case of the guy called William Shakespeare in England queuing up for a Covid vaccine was a great opportunity to write a poem more or less in Shakespeare's style. What do you think of this idea ?
   
   ChatGPT :
   I think it's an interesting idea to write a poem in the style of William Shakespeare about the Covid vaccine and the man named William Shakespeare who received it in England. It could be a creative way to pay homage to Shakespeare's legacy and connect it to a current event that has impacted the world. However, it would require a certain level of skill and knowledge of Shakespeare's language and style to pull it off effectively. If you feel up to the challenge, it could be a fun and rewarding writing exercise !
   
   S. Ragavan. I do what I can. Are there cases in England where people have written poems on this guy getting jabbed with the Covid vaccine ?
   
   ChatGPT :
   I'm not aware of any specific cases of people in England writing poems about William Shakespeare getting vaccinated against Covid-19. However, it's certainly possible that some poets have been inspired by this event to create works on the subject. Poetry often reflects the cultural and social events of its time, so it wouldn't be surprising if this news story has influenced some contemporary poets.
    
   S. Ragavan. Thank you for all the comments. Goodbye for now.
   
   ChatGPT :
   You're welcome ! Feel free to come back anytime if you have more questions. Goodbye!
   
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                                     "JABBING SHAKESPEARE"
   
   ‘Tis well known now : the malady goest on a rampage,
   Sowing anew devastation in this day and age;
   Cemeteries fill up : the crematorium runnest full swing :
   Many falter and stumble : they will not see next spring…
   
   It hath turn’d out to be a great avenger :
   Mowing down many an earthly passenger,
   Supreme doth reign yon Covid,
   Rendering poor folks quite livid.
   
   Myriads have fallen : too late came the vaccine :
   Hopeless hath been even hydroxychroloquine ;
   Morgues be not enough for the piling cadavers :
   “Pon the new cure many cast their last prayers.
   
                                           * * *
   
   Methought a jab of the medicine would be welcome
   In line stood I : patiently wait’d for the remedy wholesome;
   My name doth resound even on far-flung stages,
   Hoping literary heritage to save from ravages.
   
   I juggl’d with swords and daggers, lances and spears :
   My legacy strongly shines, even if the end slowly nears;
   "Ah ! Sweet be their chats, but, sharp be their needle :
   Out, damn’d needle ! Spare mine flesh this trouble…"
   
                                             * * *
   
   Though the malady levels myriads from near and far,
   From Stanley-upon-Grand Canal quoth the new bard,
   Whose legacy nothing can dent or mar :
   My job done, my pen I retire into the scabbard…
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   Soman RAGAVAN
   Mauritius (Indian Ocean)
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   Note 1. I live at Stanley (Rose Hill, Mauritius). There is a canal called Grand Canal going through this place. Shakespeare lived at Stratford-upon-Avon, in England   (the river Avon). I speak of "Stanley-upon-Grand Canal"…
   
   Note 2.  "Out, damn'd needle !" After Shakespeare's "Macbeth" : "Out, damn'd spot !"

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