Realities and Illusions

The Covid Pandemic held the world captive. People buried themselves in some form of escapism. I found myself immersed in writing. Many of my poems bear the same thread. Doubt, fear, anger and uncertainty. Each intense emotion claimed its place. With strength and determination, they accompanied me throughout those challenging times. However, within my words, the light eventually shines through as the pandemic slipped past. As quietly and unnoticed as when it first made its appearance …

Without hesitation

Borders closed

Travel ceased

Plans were ruthlessly abandoned

Endless questions

Fraught with concern and disbelief

Contaminated our thoughts

The world shut down

Devoid of interaction

The human touch

Warmth and wellbeing

Instantly replaced by the screen

The vicious claws of hunger

Held victims captive

The darkness of poverty 

Callously filtered through

Fear inflated its ugly head

Surging from deep within my gut

Engulfing my soul

Breeding doubt and insecurities 

People shrouded in bewilderment

Depressed and without direction

Silent acceptance

Deepened

Humanity powerless and depleted

Came together

Searching for guidance and understanding 

Sharing the darkness

Digging deeper in search of serenity

Strength and faith

Compassion and empathy

Lay silently in waiting

Loved ones separated

Shattering hearts and souls

Loneliness gripped all within its icy tentacles 

Isolation destroyed

Emotions shredded

Tears flowed

Daily outbursts seeking control

Wreaked havoc in all dimensions

Grieving for a life I loved 

Abandoned in an instant

Sadness and regrets 

Haunted the corridors of my mind

Releasing the past

Undeniably painful 

I need to move forward

On a journey of the absolute unknown

Invisible demon

Your powers of transformation

Have changed our world 

Forever …

With your almighty power

You offered us time

Time to value relationships

Time to reflect that which matters

Your immense presence

Heavy and callous

Provided lessons to be learnt

Memories to be recalled

And the trust that all would be well once more …