What If
“What if” we didn’t go back to the old ways after Covid-19 is beaten? This piece brings together my twin loves of environment and community.
What If
In 2020 the world stood still
We held our breath and waited
We hoped it wouldn't be too long
Before the tragedy abated.
We followed #Stay-at-home
Got good at cakes and knitting
Growing veg sustainably
In our gardens, or just sitting.
Going out for daily walks
Or jumping with Joe Wicks
Home schooling took our days
Evenings we watched Netflix.
We didn’t forget our keyworkers
Friends and family to all.
We clapped on Thursday evenings
To keep their spirits from a fall.
As the days turned into weeks
And the weeks went on and on
We wondered if our previous life
Had simply vanished and gone.
If our old lifestyle was history
We finally asked, so what?
If some old habits were left behind
Would we really mind one jot?
If we swapped our cars for bicycles
And bought only what we need?
If we made and mended and thrifted
And let go of our plastic greed?
If we looked out for the lonely
And shared more with our neighbours?
The next time you need some help
Maybe they’ll return the favour!
If we put those window rainbows
Into practice every day?
Then maybe from this time on,
To our children's children we could say:
“Yes, child, I lived through Covid times,
Suffered loss, experienced grief.
But coming out of all of that
we turned over a better leaf.”
