When We Were All Together

 

  

When We Were All Together

 

“The best of times.”

The very phrase invokes

a mixture of joy and loss

upon recalling the past.

 

When we feasted in bounty

we could not think of empty shelves.

Why spoil a present joy

with fear for the future?

 

Days of laughter –

always welcomed as a tonic

for our troubles

When we were all together.

 

What the years have scattered

leaves us with a timely scrapbook of the heart.

In our separation

we see the measure of our days

with a clarity not known

When we were all together.

 

                                ~ Charles Kinnaird

 

 

 

This poem is one I wrote earlier in the year when we were learning to manage during the initial COVID-19 lockdown. For other poems from a variety of poets, please consider The Social Distance: Poetry in Response to COVID-19, available on Amazon.

The Social Distance: Poetry in Response to COVID-19

An Anthology by the Highland Avenue Eaters of Words

Poetry and photographs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, sheltering in place, and related trials. The poets, who include doctors, lawyers, journalists, and other professionals open themselves up in non-sentimental, beautiful, and often painful verse that seeks to capture these odd and often difficult times. This book is for those who want to keep a reminder of what "social distancing" was like and to experience how others dealt with isolation and fear. Although engaged in other vocations, the contributing poets include experienced writers who are the winners of local and national contests. Several of the poets have written other books of poetry, essays, and fiction as well as numerous articles and contributions to professional publications.

Available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Social-Distance-Poetry-Response-COVID-19/dp/1098317092

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Monday Music: Evacuee (Enya)

While leaders and politicians wage war with armies, tanks and drones, citizens who are displaced must bear the sorrow of lost homes, lost loved ones, and separated families. The song is "Evacuee," from the album Shepherd Moons. The words and music are by Eithne Ni Bhraonain, Nicky Ryan and Roma Shane Ryan. It is performed by Eithne Ni Bhraonain (Enya).

Evacuee

Each time on my leaving home
I run back to my mother's arms,
one last hold and then it's over.

Watching me, you know I cry,
you wave a kiss to say goodbye,
Feel the sky fall down upon me!

All I am,
a child with promises
All I have
are miles full of promises of home.

If only I could stay with you,
my train moves on, you're gone from view,
Now I must wait until it's over.

Days will pass, your words to me,
it seems so long; eternity,
but I must wait until it's over.

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