The COVID Effect

Village Bus Shelter

Beforehand, I’d say we knew our neighbours well enough,

meeting for drinks and allotment barbeques,

the village panto or a cricket match.

We chattered, exchanging views on planning applications,

a garden centre offer and the best new place to eat out.

We met in pubs, knew their taste in beer

and recognized their dogs, if not their kids,

even spoke hesitantly of politics without getting in too deep.

 

This year, we’ve met fleetingly, talked less, 

keeping to the point behind our masks then moving on. 

Sal’s autistic boys found lockdown hard,

Luke dreams of medical school but struggles with his maths,

Jane’s horse had an early foal, Gwen moved and Edna died,

Trevor eats a hot meal only once a week 

unless someone calls to check.

 

Knowing less, we know more,

speaking less, we listen,

tell only what matters most

and, when there’s nothing to say,

merely nod as we pass.

 

©Janet Henderson 6^thMarch 2021