I’ll be two months old tomorrow
Half of that in what the telly calls ‘lockdown’
Mum and dad try to hide their sorrow
Not able to take me round town
Grandparents’ hugs; just a distant memory
I must hope they are still alright
One day there might be a remedy
Though that day isn’t yet in sight
Tight confines of mother’s womb
Now swapped for my parents’ home
This serves as a loving classroom
But how long for the chance to roam?
When Covid has, at last, gone
When public places once more throng
Recall with sorrow those we lost
As countries count the final cost
Then talk of all the brave and true
Who selflessly thought of you
Not going out was hard enough
Many faced challenges much more tough
Medics, police and essential folk
Donned again their professional yolk
Their lives at risk to safeguard yours
No choice but adventure out of doors
REMEMBER well the sacrifice
Of HEROES who did not think twice
I must stay positive, I really must
Scampering across this film of dust
Whiskers tremble on twitching nose
Alert, examining empty shadows
Mice, who once were spoiled for choice
Now mourn their loss in squeaky voice
Tiny claws make tinny sounds
On bare metal shelving battlegrounds
A dozen different types of bread
Empty spaces here instead
Beans and pasta, once stacked proud
Now all gone, with the crowd
Long life milk disappeared
Hoarded selfishly, and not shared
Toilet rolls that made a good nest
Vanished suddenly with the rest
Long gone ancestors and early forebears
Told of shortages in the war years
Awry the plans of mice and men
Failed to stop it once again
This orient-born global threat
A cloud passing before the sun
Its silent shadow crossing our lands
Killing without a gun
The world awaits the final account
Holding its collective breath
Invisible, insidious, stealthy, amoral
This viral agent of death
There is no border it respects
No peoples beyond its reach
‘Self-isolate’ is the official advice
Don’t panic-buy they pathetically beseech
Come the time when those left re-emerge
Grateful to be disease free
Only to know it will happen again
A Malthusian catastrophe
Tossing, turning in a sweat soaked bed
Tugging moist sheets from legs of lead
Cracking an eye to the light of dawn
Another day’s prospect, this new morn
Pulling on socks, trousers, shoes
Tee shirt with logo “What’s to lose”
Brushing teeth that taste of booze
How did I get another new bruise?
What did I eat, it’s hard to remember?
My stomach churning like a blender
Shakily pouring a glass of juice
All this down to alcohol abuse?
Perhaps I should cut back a bit
But can I show the needed grit?
Jut now I have the power to decide
But think tonight, I’ll go with the tide
Why can’t they simply let me be?
What do they know of my philosophy?
It’s not enough that they cannot see
Instead they want to convert me.
Our paths have crossed a few times now
Before going our separate ways
You always bid me follow you
I will, one of these days
There is more I need to right
Your company I must decline
But know you will be there for me
When last our roads entwine
Most migrants and refugees want a place
Where people won’t judge simply on race
Hearing of isles with tolerance and care
If it was you, wouldn’t you try to go there?
Looking for a better life
Less danger and hardship for family and wife
Not demanding how it must be
Willing to integrate with you and me
Britishness is a frame of mind
From ancient settlers and more recent kind
Our diversity matters, it’s made us great
Different views, productive debate
Working together to create common wealth
Valuing freedoms and national health
Respecting others’ beliefs, and those with none
Recognising arguments aren’t won by the gun
Some might feel this is not for them
But hold fast and don’t condemn
Perhaps another utopia exists elsewhere
But think on, don’t we have it, right just here?
Why is it that not all can see
This universe exists for me
Plebs and vassals about this earth
None but me have much worth
I am not run-of-the-mill
But the exception; if you will
Hoi polloi may ever be
A unique status applies to me
Not expected to do my share
Of others’ plight, I need not care
So do your chores, hold open doors
Place my desires above all yours
When circumstances dictate
That dinner would be nice
Friends soon agree the date
And check you’re happy; twice
The day before arrival
They phone ahead to say
“Are we still OK to visit?
Tomorrow is the day”
At the time they are expected
They knock upon the door
“Hello it’s great to see you.
We’ve brought flowers, wine and more”
They take care not to be too nosy
“Your home’s like a paradise”
Accepting whatever drink is offered
“Can we help with anything?”, twice
Catching up on the latest news
They seem to welcome your advice
Coming up to food time
“Do you need a hand at all?”; twice
Eating the fare provided
They praise the cooking, lots
“We don’t know how you do it”
Rising to clear away the pots
Long before it gets ‘awkward’
You’re waving ‘goodbye’ in a trice
“You really are the perfect hosts”
They say with meaning ; twice
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