Ode by an Oldie (80+)
In years to come, we’ll remember those days
When life as we knew it had gone.
With folk ‘isolating’, or even ‘locked down’,
Light through the darkness soon shone.
Each day was transformed by a wonderful sight!
Bright rainbows in windows appeared,
Created by children - a gesture of thanks
And the NHS staff were much cheered.
We waved to each other from outside our doors,
Could not give a kiss or a hug
And risk passing on the Covid-19
A contagious and virulent bug!
We walked, close to home, to keep ourselves fit,
But distanced, two metres apart,
We missed all our friends, and freedom and fun,
And the normal things dear to the heart.
Grim news of the thousands fighting for life
Made all of our families scared
But neighbourliness and selfless acts
Proved that the whole nation cared.
We compiled quite a list of the things we required
And kind folk searched the aisles for each one.
Another week’s needs were met by those deeds
And a long-lasting friendship begun.
At 8 o’clock, Thursdays, we clapped the brave staff
Who put their own lives on the line
To tend all those patients who needed their skills -
It could be your loved ones or mine.
The children missed school and familiar routine
Their social life dipped down to nil.
Their mums and dads did sterling work
Their new home-school role to fulfil.
But inventiveness came to the fore
And some wonderful outcomes emerged.
The children found talents hidden before.
Fund-raising initiatives surged!
So when, in the future, we reminisce,
We’ll not dwell on the sorrow and pain
But recall once more the supreme acts of love
That occurred again and again.
