Chapter 2: The first Covid year
Covid-19 - A year we must not forget
January 2020 started with a bang
As a deadly virus was found in Wuha
Was this the pandemic we'd read about in books?
We watched the news, sometimes scared to look
Pandemic planning and preparedness
This was the task of our lives, but it wouldn't faze us
It spread from coast to coast, and over the seas
With terrifying ease and agility
And we woke to a world we wished we'd never see
Pulled out those plans that we hoped we'd never need
We kissed our families goodbye, no such thing as ready
And rolled up our sleeves, vowing we wouldn't be defeated
In those first few weeks, as we watched it sweep
Around the globe at tremendous speed
It was a fight to try and stay in the lead
Our communities no longer free
A lack of testing left us blind
To the spread of the virus and its fierce incline
Lockdown was announced after feverish debate
Some thought too early, some thought too late
But our people were heroes, pulling together with might
Enough to illuminate the darkest night
And the blue lights came out to back up our plan
'Boots on the ground' was the call of our new clan
Rainbows in windows and clapping in the street
Gave us a boost, kept us steady on our feet
PPE was scarce, managing risk became the game
And if you were feeling afraid, well, there was no shame
'Hands face space' became the mantra of the day
Who would have thought how much those simple steps would pay
Our care homes felt it next and while they didn't groan
Staff, residents and their loved ones, felt neglected, alone
Our nurses stepped up like soldiers to war
Protecting those most vulnerable was all they battled for
And they stuck together, all the way through
No one asked whose job it was but instead what can I do?
Businesses worked around the clock
To keep the virus from their doors, to make it stop
And our teachers, they learnt overnight
To be contact tracers, testers, and to educate in spite
Of their classrooms being empty, all the children being home
They didn't just worry about schooling, more the kids
who were left hungry or alone
Then just as we thought we could do this no longer
The vaccine arrived which made us feel stronger
With hope in our hearts we entered December
With thoughts of a future which C19 wouldn't enter
But our dreams turned into misery
Cases rose and caused death and injury
When January came and our spirits were low
Our key workers tired, frustrated, left out in the cold
And the doubters came out with their words of resent
Increasing numbers fuelling bitter dissent
Targeted with disinformation via Facebook and Twitter
Armchair epidemiologists, thought they knew better
But still we ploughed on, with steadfast endeavour
Wishing this virus would leave us forever
After the snow, came spring and cases started to fall
Forever grateful to all those who answered the call
People felt divided on the next track
Some asking caution, others wanting to get back
We know this isn't over but it's time for revolution
Come join us with action, be the solution!
Let's feed the hungry and house those with needs
Help the folk up who are down on their knees
Stand up to those who fuel the divide
We are better together, standing side by side