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) - 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
Offline)
Comments7
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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,
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.
Thanks Fay, there are hidden victims and consequences that will last long after the virus is conquered I fear.
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.
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.
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
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