Could Any Have?

By Bosola Joseph

Could any have imagined the impact,
One lone minuscule invader would bring.
In control, with no authorised contract.
Fearlessly impartial, about a thing.
Could any have understood the power?
An extra import from China would show.
Leaving, countless to fret every hour.
Whilst this intruder remained on the go
Could any have contemplated the heartache?
Isolating; freedom, taken away.
Families, colleagues, friends, on a forced break
Eager just to get through another day.
Could any have considered the new norm?
Social distancing, face masks everywhere
Heavy fines for those failing to conform.
As the aggressor just thrived, in the air.
Could any have envisaged each tactic?
Boris Johnson’s parliament had in place.
Numbered tiers, with lockdowns that were frantic.
Yet lives saved as the virus lost its pace.
Could any have seen out the frustration?
Remote working, or home schooling for all
Cast no doubt just like many a nation.
Life continued via one more zoom call.
Could any have known that twenty-twenty?
Purposed the globe, succumbed to a standstill.
But brighter times, reach out for the plenty.
This pandemic must end against its will.

As I am known to write and perform poems for leaving does, two colleagues independently within a few days of one another approached me asking whether I had written any thing for the pandemic. This inspired me and the piece I am now submitting.

Writing for me, during the pandemic, has always been triggered by a request from members of my alumni, colleagues or friends. The  poems each time have been  recited over one of those  zoom calls  I write using rhyming couplets and each poem  has to leave the hearing uplifted., I often look forward to the challenge. Some call it a talent, I call it a divine gift .