Viral Odes: Pandemic Poems—a souvenir of a unique year

by Sharron Green, Reena Doss (Editor)

Viral Odes is a witty collection of poetry and photographs captured during the siege of the Covid-19 crisis. Within this tight predicament of affairs, Sharron Green brings to the surface key events of chaos and uncertainty as the world unfolds to find itself on a long journey of self-discovery.Therapeutic, refreshingly bold and uplifting, these works are collectable souvenirs of the current timesin the days of the pandemic.

56 pages, Paperback

Published December 24, 2020

Reviews

[Darya Silman · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Viral Odes' by Sharron Green gives an impressive, multifaceted overview of a lockdown. The worries, problems, and little victories that the whole world has experienced during the last year found their reflection in her personal views in the book. While masterfully playing with general topics concerning coronavirus (fear, separation from loved ones, wearing masks, and orders to stay at home), Sharron also guides the readers deeper into her own life, giving them an opportunity to meet her family, and, furthermore, to witness her inner struggles to adjust to new reality.

Her book can be reviewed from different viewpoints, and versatility is the book's strong side. First of all, Sharron's poems comprise a singular poetic map. Anyone who had slept through the last months could catch up on the news in 'Viral Odes'. Secondly, the collection demonstrates the author's poetic and linguistic skills in her use of multiple forms such as haibun, sonnet and many others. Thirdly, poems throughout the book vary in tone - from a joke about a bat poo (spoiler alert!) to serious concerns of a parent  - and this quick transition can be sometimes unsettling and confusing. 

I'd recommend the book to those readers who are always eager to find something positive amidst the great chaos. 

[Linda Lokhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was in for a treat as soon as I read the first poem Sharron Green had written. It is in her trademark rhyming form and sets the tone for the rest of her poetry book Viral Odes. I couldn’t help but feel uplifted by Sharron’s photographs throughout the book, and she has proved herself to be a wonderful nature photographer as well as a poetess. The photo of her dog features, as well as some poetry including her four legged family members which was a joy to read.

Sharron has written Viral Odes from the heart and the reader is taken on a journey to be beside her as she navigates the trials, challenges and disappointments of Covid 19 lockdown life. However, there are insightful thoughts in beautiful poems such as “They Can’t Cancel Spring” and “Lockdown Learnings” where hope is at our doorstep. I also smiled when reading “Hair Today” - a poem about the task of becoming a hairdresser in lockdown!

There are different poetry forms inside which are masterful written by Sharron. This is not a sad book about Covid-19, you will feel hope throughout her poetry.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Viral Odes and recommend it to everyone.

Linda Lokhee
@lindalokheeauthor

[Zowie Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viral Odes is an absolute triumph – beautifully presented, immaculately produced, and brimming with poetic gems. Every page radiates care, creativity, and a keen eye for both the poignant and the playful.

Each poem offers something unique: a spark of humour, a moment of reflection, or a clever twist that lingers in the mind.

The collection is rich with insightful observations, sharp wit, and heartfelt expression. Pieces like Dancing in Quicksand, Coronavirus Nursery Rhyme, and Who’s Zooming Who capture the surreal, shared experiences of recent years with warmth and relatability.

This is more than just a poetry collection – it’s a vibrant time capsule, a beautifully crafted memento of a challenging era, and a book I know I’ll return to again and again.

[Alexia Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book with a cuppa or a wine, whatever your fancy. Sharron has used her skill to find light in the darkness of a global tradegy. Wonderfully done!!

[Jen Elvy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome poetry collection for our time! I love Sharron’s delightful, thought provoking rhymes. A momentum for our times!