Another Covid poem

Perhaps we should remind ourselves Covid 19 is real

there isn’t a conspiracy or reason to conceal 

instead of always questioning everything we’re told  

maybe we need to realise it’s more than just a cold

In line with previous outbreaks 

the way forward is quite clear

if only we’d do as our ancestors did 

we could live again without fear

When black death and other plagues 

ran rampant through the globe 

nothing was known about a cause 

or science or microbe

By the time the Spanish Flu hit 

more was understood 

so people knew what to do 

for the greater good

Staying home away from others 

was the order of the day 

and the expert advice was heeded 

sadly unlike today

The same occurred when Polio 

began paralysing old and young 

and the worst affected patients 

ended up in an iron lung

The guidance then was similar 

to many years before 

and yet again folk complied 

even though it was a chore 

Fast forward to 2020 

when a new pandemic comes

and the only thing we’re asked to do 

is sit at home upon our bums

We have technology and TV

we have food and comfy bases

and if we need to go out 

we must wear fabric on our faces

  

Easy things to stop the spread 

and hasten return to normal life 

and lessen any further amount of 

heartache, pain and strife

But the attitude of today’s masses 

can’t compare with our fore-bearers  

in the past we did what was needed 

to act as each others carers

Nowadays we’re too busy 

mistrusting the ones in the know 

or moaning because the pubs are shut 

or we can’t go to a show

Financial losses and careers ending 

are devastating to see  

but the cost of lives is more important 

than anything monetary

We should do all we can to relieve pressure 

on doctors and on nurses

instead of constantly worrying about 

what’s in our wallets and our purses

Why would the government allow 

the economy to implode

when at any other time 

capitalism is their mode

This virus is not a conspiracy

evil plan or nasty hoax

and neither should it be 

the butt of tasteless jokes

The families of those who have lost loved ones 

must wish it was a lie  

but the truth is they will never forget 

watching their relatives die

My Mam and I have not had visitors or shopped 

since early in the year 

and running is the only time 

I go outside to get much needed air 

While I am riddled with anxiety 

and live each day full of fear

all I see on social media 

is those who ridicule and sneer

They mix in large groups to shout about 

their freedoms and their rights

or crowd in to bars then spill on the streets 

having skirmishes and fights

If only life had stayed on hold  

and restrictions had not eased 

the risks would have been abated 

and the germs would have been appeased  

If during the war the public had shunned 

masks, shelters and black out rules

the ARP wardens would have shouted 

“you bloody stupid fools!” 

Our predecessors knew 

what was required to win a fight

and they all worked together 

to get the solution right

If only their descendants 

would channel our grandparents pluck

instead of demonstrating an attitude 

which says “we just don’t give a f**k!” 

So please I am appealing 

to those who think Corona is a con 

trust the scientists when they say 

the danger has not gone

Wear your masks and don’t meet up 

with those outside of your home

and take on board what I have 

written in this epic poem

Stop asking why and saying things 

like restrictions are unfair 

Just stay indoors and keep apart 

so we can meet up next year!