As we deal with the rising number of Covid cases in India and across the world, let us spare a thought for all those down with the infection, and families of millions of others who have succumbed to it. In fact, let us also think about all those who might have lost their jobs and are wondering when they will ever return to work.
This is not to romanticise suffering, but there is a word that captures just the right feeling. Forlorn. According to Ivor Brown, author of many books on the English language, including Just Another Word, the word is almost poetic in the way that it describes the feeling of loss and of losing way more than anyone should.
While we all try to stay safe and well, and try and find poetry and courage in loss, let us also hope forlorn will not last forever.
Peripatetic Perch 