In April 2020, we invited writers in Quebec to submit a story of a single day during the strange, uneasy time of coronavirus and pandemic, of social distancing and self isolation, of lockdown and quarantine.
We’re thrilled to announce that these stories have been gathered in Chronicling the Days: Dispatches from a Pandemic (Guernica Press). To learn more and buy the book, please visit https://www.guernicaeditions.com/title/9781771836579.
Please also join us on the QWF FB Community page, and let the authors know if their words resonated.
This piece is by Karen Ocana, writing in April 2020.

Chronic City
The days drag on. The story is the same. The story changes. The story is grim. But it’s not altogether grim. The number of infected, the number of dead climbs. More and more countries are under lockdown. But in some places, they are loosening the restrictions. Some places have a plan, a detailed one. Others do not want to say, or do not know what to say. A friend of mine is ill with COVID-19.
To read the rest of the story, please support our community and check out Chronicling the Days: Dispatches from a Pandemic
Beautifully written.
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Thanks, Didi! I appreciate it.
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Karen,
Much more than “two cents worth”. Short, staccato sentences, that read like the blasts of information on a never ending roll. No time to think ‘ between’ the bullets.
I like the Kintsugi reference, and the illustration for your piece, well considered words and image. Thoughtful expression, crafted with care.
Simon
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Hey Simon. I posted a reply earlier this month to your comment, but it vanished (like a comet). Glad the rhythm grabbed you. I have training in flamenco taconeo and when the spirit moves me, watch out! Thanks very much for your appreciative remarks. The Kintsugi reference must be to the chimera thing. Yes, well, it reminds me of Monty Python and their reference to the spiralling coils of DNA. In which song? Riddle me that. As for the artwork, you know who the artist is, surely. Best wishes, Karen
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