Pandemic Poems

Have you seen the doctors who hardly get to sleep?
From sad weary eyes, silent tears they weep.
They're battling to save hundreds of lives,
Yet see so many dying right before their eyes.

Have you seen the nurses, tired and worn,
Just come from doing many hours on the wards?
Have you seen them out, walking on lonely streets
Searching empty shelves, for nourishing food to eat?

Have you seen domestics, putting safety first
Keeping hospitals clean, fighting off the germs?
Bravely they go into infectious wards,
Never thinking of themselves, no not at all.

Have you seen the porters, down on their heels,
Walking many miles, pushing many wheels?
We must respect this valued band of women and men.
Though they go unnoticed, we can't do without them.

Have you seen the caterers, keeping all folk fed?
The staff and the patients lying in their beds.
Such an important part to play in someone's health,
A role that couldn't be compared to any amount of wealth.

A great big thank to all National Health Staff
To every volunteer coming forward like they have.
You all have a part of our hearts, are in every prayer we make.
May God bless you all, keeping you well and safe.

There's a jungle on my head.
My hair's gone absolutely wild.
It looks like the Amazon rainforest.
I really don't like this style.

It's been ages since I saw a barber.
I've been stuck at home for weeks.
My hair is like a thicket;
I think it's growing weeds.

There is a jungle on my head;
it feels untamed and beastly.
I think a tiger lives in there;
getting him out won't be easy.

There is a forest on my head.
It's getting kind of funky.
Animals swing from the vines to and fro;
I think my head has monkeys.

Snakes are in the undergrowth.
They slither and hiss and slide.
I think they must be huge,
At least four inches wide.

Next time I see a barber,
I hope he has a machete.
He'll have to cut right through my jungle.
I look just like a Yeti!

I don't know how I'm feeling.
I think I feel all right.
I'm busy doing nothing
From morning until night. 

I don't know how I'm feeling.
I left the house today.
I went to do some shopping.
I sang along the way.

I don't know how I'm feeling.
I gave the bags to mom.
We smiled and laughed and she was fine.
Then I went back home. 

I don't know how I'm feeling.
Today I'm not too sure.
The numbers keep on climbing.
Will they find a cure?

I don't know how I'm feeling.
I just don't need this stuff.
Some cake and wine and chocolate,
But boy this thing is tough. 

I don't know how I'm feeling
When I stand and clap so loud.
So grateful, happy and so sad
In the isolated crowd. 

I don't know how I'm feeling.
When will that dream job come?
I'm optimistic, hopeful,
And luckier than some. 

I don't know how I'm feeling.
I saw the news today
But only very briefly.
Why won't it go away? 

I don't know how I'm feeling.
I don't know if I'm sad.
My friends and family, they're all fine.
For that I am so glad. 

I don't know how I'm feeling,
But this I know is true.
We're all in this together.
It's me and them and you. 

Do you know how you're feeling?
You know that it's okay
To sit and cry and wonder,
To want a better day. 

Let's just hold this feeling
Of love, of light, of hope.
Let's relish all the quiet.
Be proud of how you cope. 

I don't know how I'm feeling.
I think I want to cry.
I don't - I make a coffee
And stare out at the sky. 

Today I got the feeling
That soon this will be done.
Our lives will change forever,
But look up at the sun. 

You know that deep down feeling
Of joy, of loss, of pain,
The love, the sadness and the hurt.
You'll be okay again. 

One day we'll get that feeling -
Was all this even real?
Hold onto that feeling.
In time we will all heal.

No more shaking hands.
Don't touch your face.
Never stand too close
In a crowded place.

A virus is amongst us.
It's roaming around our land.
It contaminates and does us harm
By the simple touch of our hands.

Dark days are fast approaching.
We have to be aware.
Hygiene is our only shield
To this demon who waits out there.

Our world is now at war
With an enemy that's unseen.
But we can beat the invader
If we all keep our hands squeaky clean.

God will paint rainbows in the sky
Once again for the world and I.
Signs that will tell us all is well,
Freedom from this grim living hell.

I know one day the sun will shine.
Dark clouds above will disappear with time.
Some won't make the journey home.
Some will sadly die all alone.

But just like time, all things will pass,
For nothing's ever made to last.
Then once again we'll be on our way
When dawn awakes to a bright new day.

The streets will come alive again.
Shops will open, buzzing again.
But the best moments will be when
Family and friends meet again.

I just want to be a good friend.
I'm not here to start a new trend.
I know I'm not the perfect fit.
I know I may irritate you a bit.
I just want a bit of respect
As it's you I'm trying to protect.
I know I can be in your face,
But to discard me is a total disgrace.
I know I'm new to your life,
But I'm here to relieve stress and strife.
I know I don't fit in with your style,
And behind me you always hide your smile.
I know you won't need me for long,
But I still want our bond to be strong.
I want to go everywhere with you
Even if it's just standing in queue.
So trust me, I'm up for this task.
I promise, I'll be a good Mask.

A brave nurse, that she is.
She faces her fears for us,
By whipping on her scrubs and gloves
Each day with no fuss.

When leaving her home,
A lump forms in the back of her throat.
She anxiously gazes back at her family
As she waves and zips up her coat.

At the hospital where she's based,
A thick dark cloud lingers over the ward.
She whispers under her breath,
Please help these people recover, Lord.

More patients are admitted with COVID,
And the beds are now fully occupied.
She is unable to contain the tears,
As she sees no family by their side.

A brave nurse, that she is,
But this is her most difficult task.
Her lips are actually trembling, you know,
Behind the medical mask.

A bed soon becomes vacant,
The virus was just too strong.
She replaces the sheets as tears flow,
And that's another one gone.

A brave nurse, that she is,
But remember this too,
She is also very fearful,
Just like me and you.

Oh, a brave nurse, that she is.