In case you forgot, it was around this same time,
When we ended 2020, with a little bit of rhyme.

There will come a day when this period is behind us.
When masks, tests, and COVID are a past thing to discuss.

Stay safe, be smart. Together we’ll get through this.
This isn’t quite over. It’s not something to dismiss.

Merriam-Webster’s word of the year is naturally “vaccines.”
We’re just grateful they work—for grown-ups, kids, and teens.

So we got fully vaxxed, and onward we went.
And again we’ll use a poem to reflect (but not vent).

We’re still doing that thing, pushing a stick up our nose.
Regular testing is key, it means the campus won’t close.

And when BU said everyone needs to get their shot!
It wasn’t just a few who lined up. It was a lot.

The year started grimly with the January 6 insurrection.
Why was it so hard to accept the results of an election?

But come inauguration, the world became smitten,
With a bundled-up Bernie wearing thick, woolen mittens. 

Amanda Gorman, too, became a rising star.
A poet for the ages, her words set a high bar.

President Biden took office, and found Terriers to hire,
But it wasn’t long before his policies came under fire. 

His popularity sank, amid politics and rancor.
How will voters express their frustration and anger?

Prices went up, thanks to a rise in inflation.
Costs of groceries, gas, and more soared in the nation.

Supply chain bottlenecks were partly to blame,
Causing backorders for cars, furniture, and games.

Abortion’s in danger, leaving many people afraid,
In question is the future of Roe v. Wade.

Critical race theory? Bans, they were sought.
Debate ensued about how racism should be taught.

We still needed protection, with masks over our faces,
But the data is clear, that’s how we cover our bases.

In-person classes resumed, to both teach and to learn.
Though some missed LfA, exposure their chief concern.

Crowds returned to the T, sidewalks, and classrooms.
One reality remained: hours and days filled with Zooms.

Loneliness was real. Our wellness mustn’t be ignored. 
Take care. Lean on friends. Do what’s needed to feel restored.

A Green Line crash reminded us the T needs help.
If only we could fix it with one loud review on Yelp.

Hi to BU students, said a star from Schitt’s Creek.
Congrats on that coup, getting Dan Levy to speak!

BU’s new data science building began to take shape.
Love it or hate it, there’s no doubt people will gape.

And St. Elizabeth’s in Brighton joined BU’s med school fam!
And new to a hospital wall: A mural by alum Big Sam.

The Dental School got a new space and new dean.
Great for students. And for patients, to keep their teeth clean.

The summer was rainy, it kept plants and lawns green.
But three wet holiday weekends? Come on! That was mean!

John Legend came to town, strolling Boston in the fall.
A talented BU alum serenaded him at Faneuil Hall.

GameStop’s share price spiked harder than Gronk.
How, you might ask? It’s simple: Stonks!

Taylor Swift was back. And Adele reappeared.
Music’s biggest stars! Their fans loudly cheered!

We laughed at Ted Lasso. And squirmed at Squid Game.
Wanda Vision and Mare of Easttown also won acclaim.

Tiger King 2 fell short, receiving less praise than flak.
But viewers found a worthy doc in The Beatles: Get Back.

Black Widow came and went, the latest James Bond said “Cheers.”
The Pats are winning again. The Sox had quite the year.

A rare glass octopus was incredible to see.
And TikTok made it the year of the sea shanty.

Yes, variants like Omicron, and before that Delta,
Have everyone frustrated. Just not eager to shelter.

To the researchers and frontline workers, you continue to amaze.
Thank you for your compassion, you deserve all of our praise.

So onward we push, hopeful that a new year will bring,
A chance for some normalcy, perhaps by early spring.

A corner will be turned, that time will soon come.
When the subject of COVID, won’t make us feel numb.

Until then, happy new year, Terriers across the land.
Here’s to 2022, a year we all hope will be grand.