Remorse Of The Merrymaker!

The merrymaker stands confused
Bemused by current attitudes,
News of fevers, mopping brows,
A virus shared among the crowds,
Free although you'd pay the price,
Unrecognised in cunning disguise,
Stalks like a predator heading for prey,
Ready to contaminate, instil dismay,
Prickle tense nerves, disturb any smiles,
Reverse happiness we knew for a while!
 
The merrymaker, sad, withdrawn,
Sunken eyes, face forlorn,
Engrossed in a mood, a disapproved fret,
Uncharacteristic time to reflect,
Checking the  media, following clues
Swallowing hard as bad news comes through,
Contentment in segments, laughter on ice,
Too much jollity; unwelcome, unwise,
Respect for those dying, regret for the dead,
The merrymaker, taken, stands shaking his head!