We’re living in crazy times. I don’t need to say that. The in the last few weeks the coronavirus has entered our lives in a way that feels akin to a slow motion car crash. Now we’re in the ditch, and more than ever need to help each other out. There’s the keeping ourselves safe for others, the social distancing, the not buying every single bag of rice in some panic buying mania and leaving others without, and the looking out for eachother’s basic needs. Because we’re all people and we’re all going through this together, and only together an we stop it.
There’s also other things we do, other gifts we can give. Connection, even if over Skype, is one of the greatest things can do. It’s amazing, the power of a hello, a how are you, a check-in. I’m keen to not be a hypocrite and have to acknowledge I’m not always great at these either, but I’m going to become better. These moments of contact have real power and are as much an essential need as eating well, now but also always.
This poem was in my first book, it’s inspired by a Mother’s Day from a time before this all hijacked our lives. But looking back it it today, it’s also about all of us and the way we are with each other. Happy Mothers Day Mum!
He sits at the bus stop
In the crisp clear morning
Clutching flowers
And the hope of future smiles
Soon to be dawning
Patience and care
Are his way
The things needed
To win the day
The delivery of his gift
A moment so momentous
One to change the shape of faces
And cause a swelling
In the chest
A living metaphor of love expressed
And yet it hinges on flowers
These delicate floral towers
With their beautiful scented bowers
The delicate and the fragile
Nothing else can transfer
Life’s strongest powers
Dave James Horn ©
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About Dave James Horn
Based in Folkestone, Dave James Horn writes poetry to raise a smile and provoke a thought. He is part of Poet’s Corner Folkestone and an organiser of the Folkestone Language Exchange. Read his full bio here.