Mostly

The announcements came on thick and fast:

​​Now everyone should wear a mask

​​where it matters.

​​Except they don’t.

​​Mostly.

​​Niqab-wearing women smile

​​beneath their veil;

​​not even the PM dare assail

​​their good sense.

​​Mostly.

​​Certain staff in shops still say

​​masks stop them breathe:

​​doctors and nurses, in full PPE,

​​silently seethe.

​​The young throw off covid with barely a sneeze;

​​little ones play doctor, patient, nurse.

​​Teachers, helpers are more adverse

​​directing bubbles, separating, cleaning

​​toys, thumbs in mouth, well meaning.

​​Mostly.

​​Living together,

​​three generations,

​​our permanent homebased staycation:

​​covid comes and covid goes,

mostly.

​​The middle-aged stare at statistics;

​​Sage and Independent Sage advice contradicts:

​​Nil desperandum.

Mostly.

​​Elderly, vulnerable, with disability-

​​hard to get carers, such a pity.

​​Call out for help when in trouble,

​​or worse, they don’t. Anxiety wobble.

​​How not to help; to hell with the bubble.

​​Mostly.

​​A tentative reach for another’s hand ?

​​Banned.

​​An illicit hug.

Who gives a shrug?

​​Humans need that human touch,

​​social distance, not so much.

​​Covid comes and covid goes.

​​Mostly.