I don’t think anyone would disagree that not only was last year traumatic and horrid, but at this present moment the times are even worse. We are virtually forbidden to go out, and even if we do there are very few places to go, as many shops, pubs, restaurants etc are closed, cancelled or restricted.
Going to a pub for a swift drink or so is becoming a distant memory, and even being allowed a drink with a meal has now been stopped too.
Of course Curse Covid is to blame for this, with new forms of the virus spreading quicker, and in a deadly race with vaccinations against the Coronavirus. Clearly dire and unhappy times.
As a poet I personally have been posting my poems of hope and encouragement on my pages and social media. To this end I have again been invited to read such a poem on BBC Radio Sussex and Surrey on Sunday 17thJanuary at 15.45, on the excellent Sylvie Blackmore show.
From my 7thof eight published books comes the poem I will be reading…..
One Voice
I woke to the disappointment
Of rain hammering my mobile home,
For a storm seemed right overhead
And was pounding the roof dome.
So I turned over and back to sleep
To awake again in another hour,
But sadly the rain had not ceased
And thus my mood was sour.
But laying in bed hearing the din
A minor miracle then occurred,
For against the noise on my roof
Came the sweet singing of a bird.
A solitary chirping of morning joy
From a little chap I couldn’t see,
But the song he continually sang
Was a great delight to me.
Though what had motivated this bird
Whose song beat the noisy rain,
I’m sure I will never really know
But he kept up with his refrain.
Now I’m no great bird expert
So couldn’t tell the type or family,
But because he sang out in a storm
His form I didn’t need to see.
For soon a couple of other birds
Joined in with the singular voice,
Maybe encouraged and led by him
Or perhaps just their own choice.
So now against a strong backdrop
Of rain clattering on my roof,
I had this wonderful little choir
Singing out in beautiful proof,
That even in our dismal times
A determined song by one voice,
Can overcome depressive scenes
To offer a happier choice.
*
Another poem then about hope and sticking things out follows, again from my 7thbook ….
Fortitude
The shrieking wind shook off the hand
Desperately clinging to the rail,
And threatened to flatten him
For fighting was to no avail,
As weakened frame and battered mind
Could offer no more defence,
Against the elements bombardment
So now resistance made no sense.
But a defiant spark was remaining
While a strong will said hold on,
And struggle to the bitter end
When all hope has finally gone.
Because man has a deep inner will
That can achieve huge success,
When all has appeared hopeless
And seemed an impossible mess.
But what is it that drives us on
Like the intrepid case as above?
Well I believe it is our fine spirit
And a considered belief that love
Can help us overcome diversity
And everything that life can throw.
But obviously there are times
When we just have to let go.
So meanwhile we can take a lead
From courageous exploring heroes,
Who forged new paths and discoveries
So that everywhere man now goes,
He has the lessons on fortitude
Taught by Trojans from the past,
Who used love and determination
To teach how to make it last.
*
I think going on BBC Radio Sussex again this coming Sunday means perhaps a bit more to me this time, as I can hopefully put out a message of encouragement at this grim time. That is saying quite a lot really, as I was also very honoured to read one of my poems for Remembrance Sunday last November.
So this article is just concentrating on my poems re this dire and decimating virus, and what it is doing and can even further do. From my latest and 8thbook published only last June, but that seems almost years ago in this “half-life” existence.
Unnatural
Most human beings are very sociable
And need contact response from others,
Whilst we make our way in life
Alongside family, friends and lovers.
For if people are separated or lonely
They will often not function too well,
And perhaps behave in unusual ways
With some reactions that clearly tell,
That they are not at a hearts ease
Due to lack of that positive stroke,
As social contact is a basic need
To ensure our wellbeing won’t choke.
So when a deadly, contagious virus
Threatens every person world wide,
All places of social gatherings closed
With orders to stay home and inside.
For all collective groups or crowds
Which as social beings give us cheer,
Can no longer be allowed at present
While a silent killer spreads mass fear.
Therefore I got a surreal experience
Quite emotional, like a form of grief.
As one evening on my allowed walk
The deafening silence beggared belief,
Of events in such a very short time
Having everyone in a panicking quake,
Which brought about the eerie quiet
A world destroying bomb would make.
There was no noise of children playing,
Music was not heard, or any traffic hum,
Revealing petrified people are staying in
So to a creeping virus won’t succumb.
For life routine changed dramatically
Like a cruel twist in some sick game,
As we fight to survive unnatural events
In a world unlikely to be the same.
*
Unnatural I think is a descriptive understatement about this cursed coronavirus, and in the poem above how it is affecting us all. Of course that poem was written prior to June publication last year in the first lockdown.
As I have mentioned my BBC Radio Sussex “fame” I guess I should also report about another complimentary “description” last Thursday 7thJanuary on National Radio Magic FM by the exceptional Lynn Parsons, who called me “a fabulous Poet”, adding that my book sales donate to Help for Heroes. Nice One! There are details of my books at the end.
Last poem then and this is called “A Grain of Sand” from my 7thbook.
A Grain of Sand
A grain of sand, or a drop in the ocean
May be enough to cause commotion,
If brought together in one large amount
They can be big enough to make it count.
Because small or singles can be ignored
However many times they implored,
To get their point and views across
So are left staring at another loss.
For at most times in this cynical world
The tiny voice is lost until unfurled,
With the back up of a loud vast choir
That lift their voices so much higher,
And get all those points of view heard
With a collective singing of the word.
Just like the raging waters of a flood,
Which can harm both flesh and blood.
So be very wary of the seemingly small
Who could in years grow very tall,
And that little dog when just a pup
May really scare you when it grows up.
Thus one single grain of that fine sand
May have the ability to form a band,
Of determined people raising a voice
Into a storm that removes your choice.
Thus have a care before ignoring those
With a message and simple clothes,
As they may have the ability to dress
In uniform with others to bring distress,
That you may find very hard to take
When realising your big mistake,
In not seeing strength and mighty hand
Of drops of water and grains of sand!
*
Well that completes this particular dose of hope and here is hoping you can listen to my poem reading live on BBC Radio Sussex Sunday 17that 15.45 (or quarter to four for traditionalists), hope you can tune in on Sunday.
All eight of my books :–
Poetic Views of Life
More Poetic Views of Life
Reviews of Life in Verse
Life Scene in Verse
Life Presented In Verse,
Poet Reveals All (in your world).
Poet Reflects Your World
Poetic Seeds to Fruition
These all ensure my donation to the excellent charity I support, promote and donate to, that being Help for Heroes.
My first 3 books are only priced £4.99 each, with my 4th and 5th bigger books at £6.99. My new 8th and sixth & 7th books, all bigger are still £9.99. and all are for sale on Amazon, book stores or preferably from me ………….. lw1800@hotmail.co.uk Or 07967 355236
I can now also write a “Personal Poem” for you, your family, any event or your business too…….
I also have a Facebook page “The Psychy Poet Laurie Wilkinson”, and a website:- www.psychypoet.com please sign/join up absolutely free.