by Louise Middleton

‘Twas a week after Christmas, when all through the land, 
New Year’s was being celebrated; with hopes it would be grand. 
No thoughts were being given to the threat in the East, 
Where a new coronavirus was hunkered down like a beast. 

For the place where it had appeared was so far away, 
That few were concerned about keeping it at bay. 
Surely, there was no reason to fear or prepare, 
Then the next thing we knew, an “outbreak” was declared. 

By February, the virus had rapidly advanced, 
Things were eroding, our lives not enhanced. 
Making its way swiftly from the east to the west, 
It was proving itself far more than a pest. 

Didn’t take long until it had earned a new name, 
“Covid 19” wouldn’t be so easy to tame. 
It invaded our lands, from the mountains to the sea, 
Spreading so quickly: “Lord how could this be?” 

Growing to proportions no-one would have waged, 
It became a pandemic, ours lives forever changed. 
Working from home became a new thing, 
“Wear your mask,” our latest anthem to sing.

All were encouraged to stick close to home, 
Tourists and travellers told not to roam. 
Businesses were closed by our government’s say, 
Emergency measures instated; people hoarding away. 

Gatherings were cancelled, fairs and festivals too, 
Nothing could take place; there was little we could do. 
New words appeared, not common language before, 
“Social Distancing”, “Self-Monitoring”, “Drive-Thru Testing” and more. 

No dash there, no dance there, no prance there, no mixin’, 
On lock-down, on shut-down, on curb-side, on restriction. 
To the ends of the earth, to all those closed malls, 
Don’t dash away, don’t dash away, don’t dash away at all. 

Grab face coverings, and sanitizer, disinfectant, and gloves, 
Stockpile toilet paper, non-perishables, to the ceiling and above. 
The shelves were soon emptied of bottled water and flour, 
Surely our world wasn’t facing its darkest hour. 

Still, all was not lost, for despite the great threat, 
Essential workers stood firm, ensuring needs would be met. 
When the beast found a foothold amongst the most vulnerable, 
Healthcare workers rose to fight a battle most honorable. 

The world had faltered, but it would not go down, 
For those guardian angels valiantly held their ground. 
While others retreated, locked themselves indoors, 
Essential workers buckled down; they simply gave more. 

At non-profits, while some programs were put onto pause, 
Others ramped up, standing firm in their cause. 
Staff donned armour to take on new tasks, 
Meals were provided, delivered with masks. 

Wipes were obtained, protective equipment and more, 
During times when finding them proved a huge chore. 
Transportation, clinical care, PSWs were all there, 
They never gave up on their clients, nor their care. 

More rapid than the beast they flew to their tasks, 
No one was missed; help given to all who asked. 
Virtual events, phone checks, zoom meetings and more, 
Services looked different but they continued to soar. 

As the year passed by, more returned back to work, 
Fighting their way through the job backlogs and murk. 
And while things are still changing as we wrap up this year, 
New hope arises that we can soon lift a huge cheer. 

For the world is moving forward towards a vaccine so true, 
One that could see agencies return to the visions they once knew. 
To a time when they can provide enhanced service once more, 
To a time when volunteers will again grace their door. 

To a time when a pandemic is no longer the news, 
To a time when events and full programming resumes. 
To time when we will be able to converse without masks, 
To a time when we are all cleared to return to our tasks. 

But until that day comes, we will continue to strive, 
To provide the best service and to keep faith alive. 
So, one day we can exclaim as Covid fades out of sight, 
“Into the future we go, there’s an end to this plight”.