Our government has announced a day of reflection. Just one day? Reflection is what poetry is all about. Every day. A poem is a comment on an aspect of life.
March 23rd is a National Day of Reflection. Namely a day dedicated to remembering the victims of Covid 19 and the bereaved families. Also, the people who worked throughout the pandemic, battling their own worries about transmitting the virus along with staff shortages and constantly changing working practice.
I was in the front line for much of it – care home management is a difficult balancing act at the best of times. This was the worst of times!!
What will I reflect on?
But what will I take away from the period to reflect on in the years to come? Oh it’s not pretty! You can read a full account on Through-The-Glass, where I post random rants and life comments. I’ll link out to that later. But here is a flavour:
She smiled from behind the mask Her voice soothed his troubled mind And brought him out of the living torment of his past To the comfort of words that were kind But meant nothing. And yet – there was something – A memory, perhaps a mother, A worried lover, Someone who cared enough to wait, To pray that his fate was not to fall, He met her tired eyes and behind her, the medals proudly hung on the wall Heroes all. And yet, a call from a hack "You all lack compassion - It's become a fashion to neglect and abuse, It's all over the news...do you have anything to say?" Sir, go away: we've more important things to do Than to be misquoted by you. Please tell the world we're decent souls Underpaid for challenging roles Who are here when others aren't. We know the rules, understand they can't. But we're surely worth some gratitude, not your filthy attitude!, So please, let us do what we do We're far too busy to be judged by you!
We did not ask to be heroes! I need to reflect on my anger!
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