One year ago today, we were told to simply stay at home.
Lockdown One in the UK began with a national broadcast from the PM at 8pm. I watched on my own, in my little flat, feeling the inevitability of it all after weeks of anxious news-watching. I was calm, but my body betrayed me by shaking like a leaf.
Twelve months later, I don’t think any of us could have expected we’d still be spending the majority of our days in our homes. It’s been a year since we’ve had no restrictions at all. I can’t really remember what it’s like to feel completely relaxed in the company of others, or while out and about.
I’ve been see-sawing between reflecting in awe of where the time has gone, and feeling incapable of really comprehending what has happened. It’s almost too much for my brain to take in.
But, of course, I wanted to write something about it.
Poetry lends itself so well to this situation. It allows for a few words to explore a huge topic. You don’t have to say it all literally; but if you choose the right words, you can share so much more than what’s on the page.
I’ve attempted to summarise my feelings in this poem – Resolute.
This is, in fact, the first of two pandemic poems I’ve penned to mark this dark anniversary.
I hope it speaks to you.
Jo Fisher Writes 