After the Clapping

sylviasearcher

After the catharsis of clapping

Silence fell

And the illusion of community

The hope and optimism

And solidarity

Crumbled

Behind a closed door

 

 

Outside they were smiling

Rhythmic allegiance

As though we were all in this

Together

But solitary

Reigns

Behind locked doors

 

Locked in with the negative song of voices

Too much

 

Choked all day without choices

Alone

 

Behind closed doors

And safe at home

 

A man tells his girl,

He will kill her if she leaves

And a woman beats her son,

 When she had no food left to feed him

A bad boy who has no hope,

Wraps a cord around his throat

Whilst a widow dies alone,

Too scared to do anything else

 

Yet they were the lucky ones

They all had a garden

And they still came out and clapped

Because they knew they should be thankful

 

And they will clap again this week

Except for the widow

Whose absence will go unnoticed

Amongst the solidarity

 

Outside of closed doors

 

The invisible victims

Fighting the virus

Saving Lives

And

Staying Home

  • Author: sylviasearcher (Offline Offline)
  • Published: April 28th, 2020 07:47
  • Comment from author about the poem: When you clap this week, which I whole-heartedly agree with by the way, how about a moment of silence when you close your door to thank those who are fighting the virus by staying home and also risking their lives.
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 37
  • Users favorite of this poem: Fay Slimm., Poetic Dan.
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Comments7

  • Michael Edwards

    This is such a strong write and puts in words the very emotions of many of us - and I will clap again this week. I will be grateful that I do have a wife and a garden but the hurt and effects of the virus still digs as deep.

    • sylviasearcher

      Thanks Michael, we all probably feel quite dis-empowered right now and I just sometimes feel a bit angry for the people the government seem to have forgotten amidst this terrible battle.

    • Goldfinch60

      Very powerful write Sylvia, if only we knew what goes on behind those closed doors.
      When we go out to clap the neighbours and I stay out talking and last week we were talking about having a street party when it is all clear.

      Andy

      • sylviasearcher

        I guess we never know, but now more than ever it feels important to think about it. Mental illness, abuse, loneliness. We pretend we talk about these things. But what do we do about them?

      • MendedFences27

        I think they deserve a round of applause; putting their lives on the line from being in contact with the virus every minute of their workshift, sometimes without proper protection. They face a horrible death alone, gasping for air. Those who can clap and return to their safe place at home face only boredom and tedious living. I guess they help by reducing the overall risks for all of us. Please stay home. And as you say they are "Saving lives" by "staying home. - nice poem - Phil A.

        • sylviasearcher

          I guess I wrote this poem because not everyone staying at home has only boredom and tedium to contend with. Some have abuse, poverty, mental illness.

          And whilst I whole heartedly agree with thanking the work of those on the front line.

          I get upset when people assume that those staying at home have it easy. For many it is easy. For some it is dangerous and desperate and no one dares to talk about it, due to the need to maintain solidarity and optimism,

        • Fay Slimm.

          A very perceptive write which outlines isolation's real contribution to the fight for life and which after reading your powerful lines surely needs a special round of applause - - this one goes into my favourites and thanks for sharing it Sylvia.

          • sylviasearcher

            Thanks Fay, there are hidden victims and consequences that will last long after the virus is conquered I fear.

          • dusk arising

            Brings it home in bucket fulls. Thank you. It's all so familiar, we are 'so close to the trees that we cannot see the wood' as my old mum would say. But you have said it as it is here. Who knows what is going on next door but one.
            You brought the situation inside my door today, and i'm on that extremely vulnerable list staying home for 12 weeks.

            • sylviasearcher

              Sometimes it is easier not to think or talk about, especially when we don't know what we can do about it. Keep safe and well.

            • Poetic Dan

              It's the fireworks that are getting to me but what a punch! Always appreciate your spirit

              Keep up the write
              Much peace and respect

            • sylviasearcher



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