A poem by Ianthe Cox
Midnight came and we greeted the New Year
2020 was full of optimism and held no fear
Boris was ‘in’ with a huge majority
Giving him the power and much authority
For a Mandate to make our country great
Unaware of the horror lying in wait
An enemy from the Far East was on its way
To create devastation and complete disarray
Corona Virus known as COVID-19
Was approaching our shores completely unseen
A virus so deadly and spreading worldwide
So many ill and so many have died
We are a nation of reasonable wealth
Providing a service to look after our health
Protecting our Medics and Nurses from strife
Became the watchword for trying to save life
By March the virus was spreading too fast
Boris ordered a Lockdown, thank goodness at last
The Prime Minister made an address on TV
Explaining the need for Lockdown so we could see
It was necessary to get the virus under control
To get the R rate below 1 must be the goal
The economy would suffer greatly, he was aware
The health of the country was number one care
Everything was closed, stay at home, no travel
The right decision but how would it unravel?
The Chancellor made unprecedented arrangements
Trying to cover everybody’s income and payments
Suddenly there was silence in the skies, road and rail
The enormity of Lockdown was about to prevail
Those living a rural life could manage well
Urban life in a high-rise flat was utter hell
Avoiding the supermarkets by shopping online
Though daunting at first was actually fine
We were thankful for Phones, TV and Computers
Access to the Internet achieved through our Routers
Heading into Spring and the weather was fine
Many days with blue skies and lovely sunshine
An interest in gardening suddenly emerged
Online purchases of seeds and plants just surged
Cycling and walking had become the norm
Getting all of us into good healthy form
Global transport was now stopping
Pollution levels were also dropping
The skies and oceans were showing an improvement
Wildlife was benefiting from unrestricted movement
Was this Nature’s way of teaching us a lesson?
It certainly seemed that was the impression
Church Services were cancelled as we could not be mixing
In order to maintain correct social distancing
Churches stayed open for private prayer
With limits of two people allowed to be there
Easter could not be celebrated in the traditional way
Online Services had to replace Easter Day
Social distancing meant that events were all cancelled
But this did not mean we were completely manacled
We managed to celebrate VE Day in good style
Pork Pie, Pickles and Pimm’s all served with a smile
Enjoying it with neighbours across the fence
Red, white and blue clothing and flags in evidence
Flower Shows were cancelled but celebrated online
Sitting and watching with a drink was just fine
Trooping the Colour at Windsor in front of the Queen
Televised for the Nation so all could be seen
Meetings were held through the medium of Zoom
It seemed as though we were all in the same room
All types of Online activity started trending
The variety of choices was never ending
Children were taught through the online schools
All of them learning to use new tools
Exercise classes became part of the day
All online and maybe here to stay
Every Thursday night we came out to clap and cheer
Our brave Doctors and Nurses whether far or near
All hospitals were full and the staff tired out
But they still kept going and without any doubt
Fought to save lives including that of our PM
So, our gratitude is boundless especially for them
An inkling of hope during May and June
The virus declined, not a moment too soon
Instructions were issued for the Country’s release
The Lockdown rules could slightly decrease
The Rule of 6, plus a supportive Bubble
Meant meeting up was out of trouble
Hospitality, Hairdressers, Shops opened again
Starting to relieve our economies pain
People went crazy to get themselves away
Crowded beaches and resorts with Brits at play
Restrictive distancing measures were much in force
Attempting to keep the Virus at bay of course
Sadly, this did not last for long, as rules were broken
Social distancing for many became just a token
A Tier system was introduced as the Virus spread
More rules to obey filled most with dread
No clarity on rules was the main trouble
Resulting in a massive muddle
So back in Lockdown once again, winter on the way
Sunshine in short supply and some of the days are grey
The clocks have gone back, the nights are long
We cannot afford to get this one wrong
Christmas celebrations are currently in doubt
But we need to boot this virus out
A vaccine we are told is now very close
Possibly requiring more than one dose
Doctors, Nurses and Care workers first to be done
Care homes and the elderly ad infinitum
Until this happens, we must remain on guard
Supporting the restrictions, however hard
Although the going may sometimes seem tough
We Senior Brits are made of stern stuff
We survived the Sixties after all
Sex n’ drugs and Rock and Roll
We will get through this and survive
To meet again socially very much alive
