In the Time of Covid

As the vaccination programme speeds along, and the end is getting near, I find myself reflecting on the year a virus came, bringing suffering and fear. For twelve long months we were in quarantine, banned by law to roam, Spending time locked inside, becoming institutionalised at home. As illness and mortality figures rose, we were all affected, both me and you, Death was a mutual experience, shared openly with others, no longer a taboo. But even in our darkest hours the human spirit grew bright and strong, Thursday nights we stood outside and cheered health care workers on. We clung to every feel good story and loved a man walking in his grounds, And fun gym sessions with Joe Wickes, whose energy knew no bounds. One day, historians will write about the different crazes used to fill the time, Of bread made from bananas, sewing masks and finding words that rhyme. A time when ‘zoom’ was no longer just a verb, and dress codes were misplaced, And we attended virtual meetings, only dressed in office clothes above the waist. As this chapter closes we will recover, sorrow and anxiety will start to heal, We’ll soon be back with friends and family, sitting down together for a meal. We are duty bound, to live our lives in honour of those we’ve lost along the way, Appreciate every second, be grateful every moment, and always seize the day.