Written by Philippine-born author Viva Andrada O’Flynn, “Who Knew” bagged first place at the COVID Times Poetry Competition organized by World Humanitarian Drive (WHD) held via Youtube and Facebook Live on April 22, 2020.

The free-verse poem made up of 25 lines speaks about the routinary activities done by people around the world to keep themselves occupied at home during the pandemic while unknowingly fulfilling duties that aid in the fight against COVID-19.

It highlights the one main thing that people were told to do during this time of crisis: to stay at home. By remaining where they are, it was mentioned that everyone in different walks of life have become heroes by minimizing the chance of being infected by the virus.

At the beginning and the end of the poem, the lines “who knew” were repeated to represent the persona’s epiphany when realizing that through small actions, like watching a favorite film, spending time with loved ones, or venturing into their own journey of self-development, everyone can contribute to the healing of society.

O’Flynn definitely did an amazing job expressing that heroism at the time of the pandemic is not limited to working at the front lines and serving the country, but it extends simply by allowing the days to pass while remaining at home where we should be. Through simple word choices and structure, the piece definitely speaks volume at this point in time.

Based in the United Kingdom, O’Flynn is currently the owner of her own business: Love Viva Cakes and Crafts which has also gained recognition holding a rating of 5 from the Gloucester City Council and was also awarded by the Women’s Business club the Creative Business of the Year award back in 2019. She has also worked as a journalist, event planner, entrepreneur, and pastry chef.

“Who Knew” was also published on Viva Andrada O’Flynn’s Instagram. You can read it here or view it via YouTube here.