Claire Bull
Ode to Coronavirus
This dreaded Coronavirus
Throughout the world has spread
Started back in China
Sadly many people dead
Epidemics we hear about
Tend not to happen to us
This pandemic is global
And we need to make a fuss
It starts with a persistent cough
Then your temperature will rise
Stay away from others
This comes as no surprise
It’s five weeks now since Lockdown
With fighting in the aisles
Wondering what day it is
Loo paper bought in piles
With plenty of food upon the shelves
Flour and yeast cannot be found
Why are we all queuing..?
There’s plenty to go around!
We seem to like our pasta
Tinned tomatoes - where are they?
Baked beans, eggs and hand gel
Any amount prepared to pay!
Not supposed to leave the house
Unless we wear a mask
Today the sun is shining
Nice to have a bask
Always keep two metres apart
The queues look long and sinister
Wear gloves and scarf and don’t look up
So says our Prime Minister
Charles and Camilla caught it
The Queen spoke to the Nation
Our PM’s in intensive care
This is no vacation!
Mother’s Day was very odd
Now Easter’s on its way
As much as we want to visit
At home we all must stay
No masses in St Peter’s Square
The Pope from his kitchen will pray
No funerals, no weddings
We have to stay away
No school for the kiddies
For some quite a delight
But staying home inside all day
Could turn into a fight!
We feel so very sorry
All exams now put on hold
No driving lessons taken
No ‘You’ve passed’ to be told
No throwing of those mortar boards
Up high into the air
Graduations cancelled
All are in despair
No spas, no gyms, no offices
No bars, hotels or pubs
Buildings stopped half - finished
No moving house, no clubs
No shows, no flights or cruises
No travel near or far
Holidays are cancelled
Do not drive your car
Visiting your ‘holiday’ home
The locals all in fear
“Stay away, go back home
Don’t bring your virus here”
No Garden Centres open
To while away the time
No browsing in the High Street
This now becomes a crime
No football, darts or tennis
All sport is now on hold
Our hair will grow, our roots will show
We’ll just need to be bold
Stay in your back garden
They are closing down the park
Walk only when you need to
Not even after dark
Self-isolate the cry goes up
Stay home, do not go out
Keep away from friends and loved ones
This rule we must not flout
Social distancing - who knew
Just what this term would mean?
Cannot wash our hands too much
So important to keep clean
Those neighbours whom we never see
Make sure they are ok
They may be elderly and frail
A call could make their day
We miss each other oh so much
For the NHS we clap
Keep in touch via FaceTime
And of course that WhatsApp app!
Most of us must stay at home
Many others in the front line
We thank them for the risks they take
And for giving up their time
Hospitals are over-flowing
Your doctor can’t be seen
Give a call, book a slot
Consultations now on screen
The post is still delivered
Goods being dropped at the gate
Bins still being emptied
‘Bus drivers never late
Newspapers being printed
Delivered by a few
Police on streets and beaches
Hospitals built as new
No audience at ‘Question Time’
Or ‘Have I got News for You’
Even Graham Norton
Has no one to take a pew!
Ant and Dec are all alone
With just a camera crew
‘Britain’s Got Talent’ set to return
But no live finals due!
Although the jokes come thick and fast
This is no laughing matter
But keep our sense of humour -
‘phone friends and have a natter
Some things this virus cannot stop
The trees and shrubs in bloom
Birdsong louder than ever
The end cannot come too soon
And when all this is over
How we’ll shout and cheer
Put our arms around each other
And live to see another year