Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The politicians were home, with absolutely no stress,
No zoom or team meetings, this eve they can rest. 2/16
No troubles, no fears upmost in their heads.
Elsewhere there are children less able to dream,
Of tablet-time, of play-time, of fun and ice-cream. 3/16
It’s only got worse for these kids and the rest of their fam.
In addition to worries of how to keep healthy,
They’ve concerns about basics, unlike the wealthy. 4/16
Is surely symbolic of a callous, broken State?
Whilst austerity, as ever, falls most on the vulnerable,
The pandemic continues to benefit the insufferable. 5/16
It all feels like incompetence rather than fate.
So much confusion from the political elite,
If only they’d be clear with communication concrete. 6/16
Do as we say, and if bewildered, let common sense be your guide.’
So we follow their messages, but not their examples,
For what they all do is much more than a shambles. 7/16
And yet their own daily actions take us for fools.
Trips to test eye-sight, visit lovers and holiday homes,
‘All in it together’, debunked by their’ roams. 8/16
Whose work – paid or unpaid – may save some from despair.
Volunteers who give time, others what-ever they’re able,
Public servants on duty, quick to help, slow to label. 9/16
These people ensure that our burden is shared.
And during this time of anxiety for all,
There are many who need support or else they might fall. 10/16
To ensure we are fed, post delivered, rubbish taken away.
So much kindness and goodness, clear for all to see,
In care homes and hospitals, in communities large and wee. 11/16
Proper PPE and pay, better resources might be fair.
But it seems all they’re worth is a medal and some clapping,
Free car packing didn’t last long; the monied men flapping. 12/16
And little hope of soon being out of this madness.
Lockdown is easing but with a second wave predicted,
Have we become used to a life more restricted? 13/16
Although perhaps the virus isn’t the issue as such.
Rather it’s a backlash to being told what to do,
But why such an issue when it protects us? Me and you. 14/16
Yet the government insist that they strain every sinew.
The opposition’s little better with its’ ‘constructive critique’,
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the future is bleak. 15/16
Is do all you need in your own space and place.
Let’s look out for each other the best that we can.
At work and at home, each girl, boy, woman and man. 16/16