Was a gathering of writers who celebrated aplenty.
They were huddled round lap-tops… minus a much-needed diploma
Due to a virus pandemic called Covid Corona.
They shared lots of stories of how they pulled through
Here’s one from a writer from her point of view.
My roots already showing, my colour’s fading fast,
How long will this keep going? The grey will be vast.
My eyebrows looking wayward, bald patches here and there,
The hairs are curling upwards, they haven’t a care.
I’d been to the manicurist, before this virus came,
Sick and tired of hiding, my hands which brought me shame.
They were shaped and smoothed and polished, by my lovely therapist, Kate.
We’d planned some monthly visits…And now I’d have to wait.
Today they began to peel, not long before they’re off
While I wait to see if I develop…A fever and a cough.
It’s been five weeks, and still they say, that isolation is the only way
To rid this scourge for all mankind, unless a vaccine they can find.
What should I do to fill the time; learn a language drink more wine?
Or should I try to address the flab? Batwings… tummy…there’s lots to grab!
I wake up with the birdsong…No matter what the day
Because the diary and the planner, have not got much to say
Except that it’s some poor sods birthday, unable to celebrate
And all the ‘Happy birthday’ cards… will probably come late.
A daily walk is all we have and then it’s fraught and tense
Always on the lookout, for folk without the sense
To keep their distance and their dog, just keep yourselves away
For all your smiles and cheery waves, we need to live another day.
At five o clock the virus update, where three stooges stand on stage
They show us slides of upward curves at every single phase.
They smile and nod placating us, with how well their plan is working
And pat each other on their backs while preening and with smirking.
Oh yes almighty government and specialists in the team
You come across as confident…but all is not as seems
For if you’d acted quicker and had had a plan in place
We wouldn’t be going backwards…a catastrophic disgrace!
That said, this goes for all the other, countries in the world
For years you’ve known that virus’s would one day be unfurled.
It seems that after eradicating, smallpox, plague and others
You’ve concentrated all your funds on technology, not us poor…citizens!
So, after all my ranting, I’m not that bad you see
I’m well past three score years and ten…and got my own door key.
A lovely garden in which to sit, a pension that pays my bills
To keep me going my food’s delivered and a monthly dose of pills.
But beware. One day all this will pass and you’ll not have care
When another virus comes along, survival will be rare.
The NHS will long be gone the pension system too
You might have the option to live in space…If not…you’ll join a queue!
My contentment now is bittersweet as I think of how you’ll strive
For all the comforts I possess; it will be hard for you to thrive
However, I digress, and fill the page with woe
All this is in the future…some years yet still to go
For now we follow the guidelines: Stay home-Save the NHS-Save lives
You can smile and cheer and clap for now…but never give high-fives.
And if we should get through this without kisses love’s and hugs
Then maybe they might teach us well…these clever little bugs.
© 2024 Lillian Bradbury.
The verses paint a vivid picture of isolation life – from watching daily government briefings to maintaining social distance during neighborhood walks. What makes this piece particularly striking is its shift from personal observations to broader societal concerns, ending with a thoughtful reflection on how this experience might shape future generations.
About the Book and Author
Lillian Bradbury, a talented member of the ‘Wordbotherers’ writing group based in picturesque Pickering, North Yorkshire, brings her unique perspective to contemporary issues. Her collection of poems and stories reflects both personal experiences and broader social observations, crafted with wit and wisdom.
This piece appears in her book “Welcome to my World,” which features a delightful mix of poetry and prose. If you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into Lillian’s observant and engaging writing style, you might want to explore more of her work.
