Responsibility And Resilience Poem by Denis Martindale

A worldwide crisis came to pass, with all that this entailed
And yet, to some, it was a farce and that was why they failed.
They thought it was the common flu and nothing more to fear,
But then they learnt what they must do to help it disappear.
So that was when the face masks came, each serving as a shield.
The world was never quite the same when faces were concealed.
Nor was the handshake done so much. Safe distance was the rule.
Far better staying out of touch than dying like a fool.
Was it a million passed away? And could it still increase?
It all depends. Will we obey? Or will good wisdom cease?
Then Lockdown brought its own distress. Unhappiness as well.
A further share of loneliness, a solitude from Hell.

A sense of chaos crossed the globe, yet Mankind prayed and prayed
And from then on, there rallied hope, though it had been delayed.
The upbeat slogans spread the word, that Mankind would still win.
If only further hope was stirred, Mankind would not give in.
But as a great community, Mankind could do his best.
Not counting on immunity as if the final test.
But checking, checking, checking still. Defending young and old.
Not letting more death come to kill. Life's worth much more than gold.
It's why to charities we turn, to give as well as take.
It's why through lessons each must learn. Be wise, for goodness sake.
Resilient as some folks may be, it's safety first, dear friends,
Until we know with certainty, the day this crisis ends…


Denis Martindale July 2020.