Afterwards

Afterwards

Wishing away the hours as days merge into one, this

hiatus in my life goes on and on and on,

eventually though, this time must pass,

normal life, of sorts, will recommence.


And now we say ‘before all this’ meaning,

living without restrictions when we had freedom,

living without the unseen threat, the virus in our midst.


Tied to home as never before,

how could I ever have thought it an

indulgence to see family or friends,

see a film or go for a drive?


I now exist in a virtual world,

shying away from everything that’s real.


Once the threat abates will I have changed?

Viewing everyone through a veil of suspicion,

ever cautious of a close encounter,

reclusive, always maintaining my distance.


Vivien Foulkes-James 2020