By Clyde

Here are some metaphors for the COVID-19 outbreak:

•  Another bump in the road construction on the well-traveled Newsome Road path.

•   A twist in the ribbon of life at the Stitchin’ Post.

•  A clogged drain in the playing fountain at Gateway Park.

•  A turn for the worst in the day in the life of the Cheerwine Festival.

• The unknown visitor that rides airborne in the wind section of the symphony.

• God’s revenge for the sins of the fathers of the First Presbyterian congregation.

• Recurrent nightmare that comes true every other day or two at the Salisbury Post.

• Cause for cessation of all travel to the visitor center for reservations.

• End of stock options that would no longer be an option for Mr. Holmes.

• Last page for scrapbooks and snapshots at the Traveler’s Club.

• Big discouragement for excited entrepreneurs like La Pasta and Carpe Vinum.

• Scary risk for more four-hour-long contagious meetings at City Hall.

•Catalyst for books, plays and movie scripts for John Hart.

• Goal for future scientist at Salisbury Academy to find a vaccine.

• Job where the weak-hearted need not apply for emergency medical technician.

• Victim advocates’ loss for explanation at Rowan Medical Center.

• Final curtain for extravagant productions at the Meroney.

• Topic for international discussion at the Checkered Flag Breakfast Club.

• All the more reason for celebrating at City Tavern when it’s all over.

• Time period to wax nostalgic at Genesis.

• A war like no one has ever lived through for Norman Sloop and other veterans.

• Excuse for loners to never leave home again — insert your name here _____________.

• Dora the fortune teller’s vision for plagues to come.

•  New entry for cause of death on certificates at the Register of Deeds.

•Opportunity for Fine Frame to catch up on back orders.

•Pause to consider lessons from World War I and the past at the Rowan Museum.

• A boondoggle for trivial activity, crafts, puzzles and games in the garage.

• Deprivation for dating sites and the chance for Jeff to meet up with a life partner

• Diversion from postponed court cases on the docket for Mr. Paris.

• Godsend for parents to be with their kids more

• Inundation of sleep-induced hours for Salisbury Police and others on duty.

•Disproportionally affected folks at the NAACP.

• Chance to redesign and flip entire store at Caniche.

• A hold on yard sales, Greg’s Auction or buying any more stuff to give to consignment                                                                        shops later.                                                                                      

• Benchmark for making future-plans for preschoolers to graduates.

• Just another beautiful day for birds, bees and flowers.

•Blame for the demise of cussing other drivers while wearing masks.

• Supposition that it never happened — with help from your local ABC store

Clyde lives in Salisbury.