We've walked on the beach in the sunshine each day
We're amazed at the people we meet on the way
A neighbour made a shell circle which we've all seen
The tide came each day to wash it so clean

We've tidied the cupboards and cleaned up the house
We even got crafty and caught that wee mouse
We've painted house and cleaned up the garden
How long will that last I hear you all askin'

We're shopping on-line that's the option for us now
Gosh what we've learnt, we've all got the 'know-how'
The veges that come in a truck up the drive
And we're always home waiting for them to arrive

We've baked lots of goodies and even some bread
Gosh better watch out for that COVID-19 spread
Lunch and dinner to be made EVERYDAY
No chance to pop down to bakery today

A 'WASGIJ' was brought out but oh it's so hard
We'll try something else maybe get out the cards
I've got out the knitting a cardi to make
Oh dear not enough wool...after all that cake

We used to be up and about early morn
But now we don't even know when it is dawn
No visitors so no need to keep the house tidy
Maybe I should do some housework this Friday

We've none of our voluntary works to keep us busy
We're missing our family who live in the city
Video calls are the way we now communicate
As long as we get it all over by eight

For all of my grandchildren I've written a story
It is rather funny and not at all gory
I got out the paints and added some pictures
It's hilarious and funny said both of the sisters

It's Friday yippee, the rubbish truck comes
We're out straight away to bring in our bins
And then we get gardening to fill them again
We just have to hope that we don't get the rain

Compared to the virus this is so very small
We must not complain 'tis the best for us all
One day we will visit our family and friends
But we must never forget how we came to this end

The world has given a great sigh of relief
But the respite from this will only be brief
We must always remember how we managed to cope
And head into the changed world with a heart full of hope

Marg Brooker, April 2020

Down a Level - 2020

Anzac Day has come and gone
A most unusual “StandatDawn”
In our driveway we silently stand
The well-known words we understand

A piper played Amazing Grace
Coming from the dark at a sombre pace
A poignant feeling was felt by all
As we stood in answer to the call

Alert Level 4 is coming to an end
With our daily cases under 10
We wait expectantly for the Monday night
Level 3 is what we’ve earned, our right

But tow the line or we will return
To level 4, let’s hope we’ve learned
While Level 3 is much the same
A takeaway coffee will be our gain

5 weeks of lockdown, well 33 days
It possibly passed in a bit of a haze
The wonderful weather has helped us cope
As we start each day with a good dose of hope

Over 70, we’re deemed most vulnerable
But really we feel just so fit and able
We’re keeping ourselves fit, healthy and strong
Shared walks and cycling helps us muck along

Children are learning from home these days
A lot more screen time, let’s not get fazed
Zoom calls with class mates, so much learning
A bit of a break for parents both working

Street isolation drinks bring us together
We’re all out there whatever the weather
Our neighbours are great, staying local we are
We support one another…both near and far

Novel coronavirus wreaks havoc worldwide
Novel it’s not, it hit us broadside
But down here we do our best to defeat
This terrible virus, we’ll not be beat

We now look forward to Alert Level 2
As long as we continue to follow the rules
Please make the most of your current situation
At some stage soon we’ll join again, our nation

Marg Brooker
April 2020