COVID #5: Learning from COVID

COVID poem #5: Learning from COVID

Life is to be savoured.

We took so much for granted

Without appreciating how very fortunate we were

Without COVID. 

 

Things like hugs,

Unmasked faces,

Sharing air and touching,

Without fear of catching or sharing infection.

 

Dinner dates,

Drinks after work,

Family gatherings and celebrations,

Without having to consider where or how many people.

 

Visiting grandparents,

Holding their wrinkled hands,

Sitting close so they can lip-read and hear,

Without masks, alcohol gel, plastic screens or visiting bans.

 

Planning holidays abroad,

Tropical beaches, revitalising sunshine, 

Spectacular scenery, edifying cultural experiences,

Without fear of cancellation, quarantine, or implications for work and school.

 

Sitting in cinemas

Sharing bags of popcorn,

Concerts, arenas, standing in big crowds,

Without any thought of virus spread and global pandemics. 

 

One day,

One very fine day,

We'll do all these things again,

Savouring every moment, every touch, and every breath

Without COVID.

 

 

Rachel McCoubrie

24.10.20