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Rachel Eichler '89

It is often said that great art is created during troubled times, so it should come as no surprise that Barnard — well known for its alumnae writers — has seen this trend continue as the “twin pandemics” of COVID-19 and a renewed focus on racial injustice and violence sweep the world. In this new limited series, Barnard community members share poems and songs that speak to this unique moment in time. (If you would like to contribute, please email newsteam@barnard.edu.)

Today, we feature Rachel Eichler '89's poem, "Plagued." 

Plagued

Don’t you belong 
in the reign of the 
Pharaohs’ 
where the vengeance of the God’s 
rose from the Nile?

Don’t you fit in 
the middle 
of ages 
where filth and dark superstitions 
ruled the land? 

Don’t you seem 
more compatible with one 
world war over 
before antibiotics 
and ventilators
a reality?

But you are here, keeping us
masked and armed with 
alcogel
You divide and distance humanity
humbling our modern achievements 
while winking at our hubris.