Photo: Crispin Thomas
On Lockdown Here in Stroud
By Crispin Thomas
to walk with you in times like these
above the world we know
we keep our distance ev'ryone
while gentle winds do blow
on skies as blue as blue can be
as people know their space
the sun in Spring is ev’rything
you need upon your face
these eager dogs they have no clue
and go about their day
it’s just another welcome run
to sniff and while away
and birds remain oblivious
they fly and burst with song
the beauty all around us
denies that something’s wrong
but here upon these common hills
a girl is drumming loud
and you would never know that we’re
in lockdown here in Stroud
this state of being now imposed
we share with ev’ryone
and though we do not know their names
the word is on their tongue
it filters in between us now
as we both rise and fall
from time to time a knowing nod
reminds us of it all
as some wear masks and some wear scarves
and some prefer to be
alone or with their loved one
the same as you and me
we’re doing just as we’ve been told
with what we are allowed
it’s only been a week or so
on lockdown here in Stroud
we have no need to walk on streets
and so we stay away
and do whatever we must do
to keep this thing at bay
for town is just like Christmas Day
the shops and cafés closed
the lady in the pharmacy
is wrecked with overload
the nurses in the hospital
they will not show their fear
how brave they are to risk their lives
for those in need out there
I hold your hand much tighter now
and others here do too
as each of us hope we are safe
to see these moments through
beyond the graveness of the news
our faith and trust remains
the Earth is almost whispering
reminding us again
surrendering to ev’rything
my heart is beating loud
for those beyond our little homes
on lockdown here in Stroud