TRANSLATION

Is There Something in the Air?

by Leah Janeczko

Is there something in the air?

They called off school: why’d they do that?

What’s the danger to beware?

My friend, let’s have a little chat.

The virus making people frown

is called Corona. It’s no king

even though its name means “crown”.

So you might ask: What is this thing?

The bully’s one that we can’t see.

It’s one so small the only hope

of showing it to you and me

would be a great big microscope.

A kind of poison floating round

and causing problems everywhere,

it’s sneaky, sly and has been found

to spread real fast from here to there.

It’s teeny-tiny and it’s light

but it’s a real danger too

because it puts up quite a fight

to get inside of me and you.

But it’s a fight that me and you

and everybody else can win

’cause there are things that we can do

to keep that brute from getting in.

Now first, remember if you sneeze

to catch it quickly in your arm

to stop the spread of its disease

so it can do us all less harm.

If you go out, once you get back

make sure you march off right away

to wash your hands of its attack,

not just today but every day.

Use lots of water, soap and care,

and rinse and dry your hands well too.

That way you’ll make it end up where

it’s down the drain and not on you!

When Mom and Dad walk in the door

make sure that they both do the same,

then shout Bravo! Well done! Encore!

to make it fun, like it’s a game.

And keep your fingers off your face.

Don’t touch your mouth or eyes or nose,

to keep out each and every trace,

’cause what you touch is where it goes.

If you pass others, when you meet them

keep some space from where they stand.

You can smile and wave to greet them.

There’s no need to shake their hand.

Hugs and kisses? Let’s not give them,

but that’s only just for now,

while that tiny, nasty villain

is still sneaking all around.

Some wear masks when on the street

but they’re not dressed for Mardi Gras

or even out to trick-or-treat

or bandits wanted by the law.

That friendly mask is for their cough

’cause when they cover up their face

it stops Corona’s flying off

and spreading round from place to place.

But while the villain’s still about

and free to damage, harm and roam

you know my plan to keep it out?

I’m staying put inside my home!

It’s a brilliant plan, my friend,

since we can’t even go to school.

Until this virus danger ends

“Stay home!” should be our golden rule.

But friends and family, yours and mine?

They’re all at home too, safe and sound,

and we can stay in touch online,

that way they’ll always be around.

And if you want to show you miss them

there’s a way for them to know it.

There’s no need to hug or kiss them:

with a world of words you’ll show it.

Words are presents, words are seeds,

they’re gifts that we have plenty of

and if they’re good they’re all we need,

when we’re apart, to grow our love.

If you and me and everyone

let caution, care and love inspire us

soon together we’ll have won

our fight against this nasty virus.

Once we’ve made it through together

maybe everyone will see

that we can learn to make a better,

wiser world for you and me.

© Roberto Piumini

English translation © Leah Janeczko