The Virus Poem by Vanessa Hughes

What do we gain by living in fear?
How's our wellbeing, with not going out?
Would we know a virus was near?
If it wasn't, constantly, talked about?

There's a lot to lose, living in Lockdown
Businesses, pubs, all going bust
Empty streets, deserted towns
Shop shutter railings gathering dust

This country is falling onto it's knees
All of us told to live in dread
If we don't wear a mask, or put on gloves
Tomorrow morning, we'll wake up dead

If you're fat, or old, or have a condition
You're virtually knocking on death's door
You must stay home and isolate
Is that helpful? I'm not so sure

And why on earth do we need an App
To tell us, we could have been near
Someone who may carry the virus
Another way to instil the fear

I don't believe that Lockdown's the answer
I believe in what's meant to be
A world of mask wearing people
Is not a happy place to be