I have been very creative during the lockdown and my music tells my story.
After the all clear sounds, will
we still remember each other,
how we used to be? Or will we
have changed so much we’ll
pass each other by walking past
on the other side of the street?
With wounded innocence and careworn minds
fostering shifty looks, will we cast
sideways glances, avoiding the
shuffling gaze of guilty eyes?
Giving old acquaintances a wide berth,
eschewing all attempts at hugs
each time we happen to meet;
as if the social fabric had
begun to unravel, and the rugs
pulled out from underneath the
unsteady gait of startled feet…
However well the scars heal up,
however much we may regain
old confidences, we know deep
down that things between us back then
will never be the same again.
IM-14th April 2020
After the all clear sounds, will
we still remember each other,
how we used to be? Or will we
have changed so much we’ll
pass each other by walking past
on the other side of the street?
With wounded innocence and careworn minds
fostering shifty looks, will we cast
sideways glances, avoiding the
shuffling gaze of guilty eyes?
Giving old acquaintances a wide berth,
eschewing all attempts at hugs
each time we happen to meet;
as if the social fabric had
begun to unravel, and the rugs
pulled out from underneath the
unsteady gait of startled feet…
However well the scars heal up,
however much we may regain
old confidences, we know deep
down that things between us back then
will never be the same again.
IM-14th April 2020
I have written a series of poems over the months just before, and during lockdown; they deal with observations and reflections on the atmosphere and a strange sense of detachment I have felt…with impressions mainly filtered through the news and social media, not to mention the physical changes such as the clear, pristine skies devoid of any vapour trails, and listening with fresh ears to the vociferous birdsong.
Apart from early anxieties over supplies of loo rolls and other necessities, it has not impacted me the same as those who still need to work and earn a living; I am retired, and can get by. But I have friends, particularly some involved in the arts, who have obviously had to struggle, and I am so impressed and in awe of their resilience and ability to retain their humour and good spirits.
Flowers in Springtime.
Lockdown has been a roller-coaster of emotions. I found it quite hard emotionally to deal with the uncertainty, constant changes, confusion. The lows have been low but the highs have been really high too and there will be positives coming out of this. I am sure!
One word to sum up lockdown? Confusion.
Touch is essential for humans to thrive,
To make us feel fully alive.
The loving touch,
The healing touch,
The consoling touch,
Helping; Holding; Supporting; Celebrating; Grieving
Giving; Receiving
The guiding hand,
The polite shaking hand,
The excited Hi Five,
The comforting hand on your arm,
The hand helping you up when you fall.
The tentative touch of a first hello,
The electric touch as your fingers brush,
The sad touch of the last goodbye,
Wiping away the tears when a friend cries,
Holding a loved one’s hand as they die.
Kisses, quick or lingering,
In friendship or more intimate,
The close embrace,
Face to face,
Heads together,
Secrets sharing.
The touch that shows you are really caring.
Hugging your friends whenever you meet
Holding hands with another when walking down the street.
The touch of massage, physiotherapy,
A coach, fitness instructor, yoga teacher
Ensuring your body is in the right place,
Helping another through when we are out running
Then our arms around our team mates for photos at the end of our race.
Human touch denied to those living alone
In the time of Corona.
4 June 2020
Touch is essential for humans to thrive,
To make us feel fully alive.
The loving touch,
The healing touch,
The consoling touch,
Helping; Holding; Supporting; Celebrating; Grieving
Giving; Receiving
The guiding hand,
The polite shaking hand,
The excited Hi Five,
The comforting hand on your arm,
The hand helping you up when you fall.
The tentative touch of a first hello,
The electric touch as your fingers brush,
The sad touch of the last goodbye,
Wiping away the tears when a friend cries,
Holding a loved one’s hand as they die.
Kisses, quick or lingering,
In friendship or more intimate,
The close embrace,
Face to face,
Heads together,
Secrets sharing.
The touch that shows you are really caring.
Hugging your friends whenever you meet
Holding hands with another when walking down the street.
The touch of massage, physiotherapy,
A coach, fitness instructor, yoga teacher
Ensuring your body is in the right place,
Helping another through when we are out running
Then our arms around our team mates for photos at the end of our race.
Human touch denied to those living alone
In the time of Corona.
4 June 2020
A poem especially relating to single person households during the Time of Corona. When did you last touch another human being?
Hope (the last in Pandora’s box flying out into the clear air).
My patch is a painting of a bee in my garden. I have always loved nature but during lockdown this has been my sanctuary, I have been overwhelmed by the bees on my flowers and I have also saved a couple. Gardens and nature are so important to our mental health.
During lockdown I decided to create my first song and to release it (which is about quarantine), which my sister and I created a music video for. I enjoyed lockdown because it gave me the opportunity to this, however, not being able to see my friends and to go to college was of course a bit tragic.
One word to sum up lockdown? Mundane.
Time to Connect.
Title: Getting out, looking in
Proof of the fact: one
Can get pissed, dance and be nice
Even in Reading
Proof of the fact: one
Can get pissed, dance and be nice
Even in Reading
My patch is an image of my garden. This little green refuge provided me with such nourishment during a period of sadness and anxiety. Every morning I would watch the swifts hurtle through the sky chasing insects, sometimes they would swoop as low as my fence and call PEEP PEEP. In the evenings as the dusk drew in, the swifts would again call and dive. I spotted ladybird and butterfly and strange caterpillars I had never seen before. A whole new world which I hadn’t seen in such detail before because I was always rushing from here to there.
One word to sum up lockdown? Slow.
Loneliness
Often
Can
Kindle
Depression,
Our
Worst
Nightmares.
Loneliness
Often
Can
Kindle
Depression,
Our
Worst
Nightmares.
An acrostic poem (Ie first letters of each word spell out the word lockdown).
One word to sum up lockdown? Bored.
Some artwork I did during the long months of shielding in Lockdown due to Covid-19.
One word/phrase to sum up lockdown? Brought out the best in neighbours looking out for each other, communities setting up Facebook pages for anybody needing any sort of help, be it fetching prescription medication, offering technical support, sharing recipies, and so much more.
My lockdown experience was easy going compared to many others. I found the hardest thing was being away from family and friends as I’m very sociable! I’m a member of The Small Strings community band run by Readipop (a Reading based music charity) and while we couldn’t meet up as usual, we continued our sessions online. These gave me something to look forward to each week in-between working, and I found practising improved my mental health. My patch is a cover of a song. The night before the VE Day Anniversary (8th May) I watched a documentary about Vera Lynn and how much her music gave people some joy and hope during WWII. I found singing along to ‘We’ll Meet Again’ even more moving than usual! I picked up my ukulele, practised the song a couple of times and filmed this to send to family and friends the next day to cheer them up – hopefully it did! I think my wild hair at this point is a sign of the times too…
One word to sum up lockdown? Uncertainty.
I submitted the patch because I want to support the Rising Sun Arts Centre and be part of a project that’s bigger than just me. I really enjoy working there as an artist and volunteering. From listening back to what I sang, I think it’s about how we are dealing with Covid-19 in different ways, our mental health and how important human contact is to us – serious stuff explored in a light-hearted way.
I decided to do improv/comedy because I have been doing that style of performance professionally the longest after falling in love with it while attending improv classes outside of drama school in my final year. And also, it’s a joy to be able to share your intuitive thoughts in a creative way – which is what improv really is I think. And it is something which is instantaneous and catches a moment in a unique way.
Variations on a Theme.
During lockdown I have been shielding like many others.I was really concerned, scared and very, very anxious to start with,but after a few days I was able to refocus myself to take steps to remain positive, active and hopeful. Hence, the first thing on my priorities list was to do something, however small, to contribute to the NHS and keyworkers, those valiant soldiers fighting a war without weapons.
I made dozens of masks and scrubs and I knitted beautiful doctors and nurses to sell for charity.I also cooked and baked to share food with some lonely, elderly neighbours.
I have also spent a lot of time in meditation and doing yoga and stretch exercises.
Tonight I walk, down to where the heron lives. I do not notice the couples, holding hands. I do not cry with despair.
Pond nearing, I see boys, their bikes thrown down, watch as they right themselves, to cycle slowly home. I do not envy their twoness.
I sit with the sun sinking, gaze at the duck house; I do not stoop to begrudge their little home, for two, three, four.
And as I make my way back I will gaze away from lit windows, sidelights throwing shade over faces; turn my own to the road, and force myself home.
Tonight I walk, down to where the heron lives. I do not notice the couples, holding hands. I do not cry with despair.
Pond nearing, I see boys, their bikes thrown down, watch as they right themselves, to cycle slowly home. I do not envy their twoness.
I sit with the sun sinking, gaze at the duck house; I do not stoop to begrudge their little home, for two, three, four.
And as I make my way back I will gaze away from lit windows, sidelights throwing shade over faces; turn my own to the road, and force myself home.
One word to sum up lockdown? Resilience.
Here’s a bunch of friends who met through Rock Project, all separately recorded over lockdown.
Lockdown has been bizarre, difficult to process, confusing, frustrating and sometimes frightening and saddening, but it has also been an opportunity to adapt, to take a forced break from ‘business as usual’, to enjoy being at home more, spend more time with the wife, stop commuting, exercise more regularly and eat more healthily.
When we were first allowed to meet with one person from outside our own households, I met up with a friend in a park for a few beers and was surprised by how much of an emotional lift it gave me, and since then have been finding ways and opportunities to meet with various groups of friends, safely.
The isolating effects of social distancing are relieved by distanced socialising.
Morning Exercise – The Pyjama Dance.
Through rocks to the stars.
The news circles in my head
The anger and disappointment swirling around me
I can’t breathe
My heart beat won’t settle
Every pair of tired eyes waiting for the image
for the image of crime death
the old book I have read
millions of times by now
is wrinkled
and words are faded
I can’t go outside to play
I can feel my heart
beating every time
something bad happens like the stock
rising up and down
like the heartbeat of a patient
waiting for the doctor
i can feel the pain that
the world is facing
it feels like it’s pulse is in my hands
open wide world
that used to be full of people
now nothing
but a mere ghost town
waiting to swallow you up
you know it
you have it
you feel the pain of who you are
until you fall into the jaws of the people
who recovered
and died
you don’t know who is next
but it may be you
watch out for the coronavirus
doctors and nurses
are waiting to
see how to stop the jaws
of the covid-19.
The news circles in my head
The anger and disappointment swirling around me
I can’t breathe
My heart beat won’t settle
Every pair of tired eyes waiting for the image
for the image of crime death
the old book I have read
millions of times by now
is wrinkled
and words are faded
I can’t go outside to play
I can feel my heart
beating every time
something bad happens like the stock
rising up and down
like the heartbeat of a patient
waiting for the doctor
i can feel the pain that
the world is facing
it feels like it’s pulse is in my hands
open wide world
that used to be full of people
now nothing
but a mere ghost town
waiting to swallow you up
you know it
you have it
you feel the pain of who you are
until you fall into the jaws of the people
who recovered
and died
you don’t know who is next
but it may be you
watch out for the coronavirus
doctors and nurses
are waiting to
see how to stop the jaws
of the covid-19.
Learning about the French Revolution during online lockdown lessons.
During lockdown, we spent a lot of time looking after the bees in the three hives in our garden. We found it reassuring and comforting that our beekeeping and the bees themselves were not affected at all by Covid, if anything, they must have enjoyed the cleaner air. They have done very well this season and we have now got lots of delicious local honey.
A drawing that Rory Williams-Burrell (Radish) gave me for my birthday, of us, Radish and Biscuit. We created a #coronacomedy series on youtube and Facebook for a few friends and family to cheer people up. It was meant to be funny and daft, to lift the spirits and be absurd in weird times. It’s also a parody of lifestyle/ influencer /cooking videos.
One word to sum up lockdown? Peaceful.
One word to describe lockdown: Lanci. The word lockdown brings to mind chains – lanci in Croation. Lanci [l a n c i ], c pronounced as c, not k.
My contribution is footage of my involvement with Strike Up Theatre on line acting classes. For 10 +weeks the host creates short on line exercises( every Thursday evening) that topics consisted of nature of a clown , character creation and use of camera settings that create a mood. I find the experience so interesting and such fun as there is a lot of improvisation of sketches, it is candid and I have learnt a lot . It really is enjoyable for a Thursday night and for 2 hours you can forget about your worries in the world. I know Rising Sun Arts Centre had allowed Strike Up Theatre to use the centre for classes before Covid 19 lock down. Over the last couple year and therefore the rising sun should be praised that they have supported and nurtured a group to develop and grow and has been very proactive in these challenging times. Thanks again the Rising Sun Arts Centre.
I am an 88-year-old retired lecturer – I used to teach metallurgy. During the lockdown, my faith is in God. I believe that if you work for God, then God will look after you. Once you put your faith in God, then everything works fine. Your piece of mind. If you only have faith in money, you are always worried. When you have faith in God, you are not worried.
I am not money orientated, we have enough to eat and live. Contentment. If you are contented, then you are happy. If you are not contented and going after money, then you are worried.
I get shopping in Sainsbury’s – online. I used to go to the gym, but not during the lockdown. The lockdown virus has not taken me – I have not taken any risks. I’ve been doing our allotment too. I started the allotment and I now have a small vineyard! Grapes are coming up. Grapes, pears, plums…
My family is ok – we’ve been working in the garden, we keep together. We sit in the back garden and enjoy the sunshine. I also write articles – I’ve been busy writing religious articles and making Youtube videos – so far, I’ve made over 7,500; channel nijjhar1! But that’s not just during lockdown! This coronavirus and other things will come up to remind people to turn you to God. People have been helping each other. It’s the unconditional divine Love called “Agape”…
One word/phrase to sum up lockdown: Believe in God, and God will protect you.
I am an 88-year-old retired lecturer – I used to teach metallurgy. During the lockdown, my faith is in God. I believe that if you work for God, then God will look after you. Once you put your faith in God, then everything works fine. Your piece of mind. If you only have faith in money, you are always worried. When you have faith in God, you are not worried.
I am not money orientated, we have enough to eat and live. Contentment. If you are contented, then you are happy. If you are not contented and going after money, then you are worried.
I get shopping in Sainsbury’s – online. I used to go to the gym, but not during the lockdown. The lockdown virus has not taken me – I have not taken any risks. I’ve been doing our allotment too. I started the allotment and I now have a small vineyard! Grapes are coming up. Grapes, pears, plums…
My family is ok – we’ve been working in the garden, we keep together. We sit in the back garden and enjoy the sunshine. I also write articles – I’ve been busy writing religious articles and making Youtube videos – so far, I’ve made over 7,500; channel nijjhar1! But that’s not just during lockdown! This coronavirus and other things will come up to remind people to turn you to God. People have been helping each other. It’s the unconditional divine Love called “Agape”…
One word/phrase to sum up lockdown: Believe in God, and God will protect you.
After a whittle on my sofa one day, I looked up to see a beautiful rainbow across the ceiling..!
One word to sum up lockdown? Reflection.
When lock-down put a sudden stop to my usual routine as a teacher, I was left with long hours in front of my computer supporting my class in learning from home. Our head teacher encouraged us to take up a new hobby and find something enjoyable to do to help sustain us through what was a very uncertain time.
I am a keen collector of Lego models and discovered Studio by Bricklink, Lego building software with which you can design anything you like without the expense of buying actual bricks. An additional bonus is that you can then purchase real bricks to build your design.
And so I spent my evenings, and rainy weekends, recreating our house and the houses in Morgan Road in Lego. I also recreated various other houses dear to me.
I am 13 years old and live in Reading, England. Until December 2019 I lived in Australia but my parents decided to move to England so we could spend time with my Granny and Grandad and have fun experiences travelling around UK and Europe.
We moved to Reading just before Christmas and I started at Alder Bridge Steiner School. I loved it there and everything was going really well for me until the coronavirus happened.
We already knew about the Coronavirus but did not know it would affect us so much. My Mum, Dad and I live with my grandparents in a small flat attached to their house. My grandparents are both 80 years old. They began “self-isolating” before the government even said they had to because they are vulnerable people because they are old. At first they were so freaked out that I was not allowed into the main house or to be in the same room as them. That was really hard.
Then my school had to shut down. I did my artwork, “Lockdown” a few weeks after the government closed my school. I only have 2 hours of online classes a day so there is certainly a lot of time to do art!
The quarantine has affected me and my family in many ways and, in my opinion, these have been mostly negative. There are always pros and cons in life but, in this situation, I think there are definitely more cons than pros, for me at least.
The biggest con for me is social. I feel very isolated because I only have my parents and old people to talk to. I do not have many friends in England because I recently moved over from Australia and now I can’t see the few I have, or spend time with them. This has been very confronting for me. I feel more tired now that I don’t have the routine of going to school and being in a classroom with other kids. I miss being able to go somewhere outside my home even if that place is school!
Another social thing I do is netball. I was lucky enough to get into a county netball team (I am almost 6ft tall so that definitely helps!). But all sport was cancelled because of the pandemic. This had been my only source of exercise and now I feel sloppy because I only get to run around with the dogs in my backyard. I miss the girls on my team. I miss the exercise and feeling fit and strong.
The quarantine has also affected my family and this affects me. My Dad has really struggled to get a job. He finally got one working as a courier but he is gone from 5.30am and when he gets home he is really tired. He has to work 6 days a week and he earns very little money. This has placed a lot of stress on my family and this makes me feel sad because I don’t like to see my family this way.
My big brother and sister are back in Australia and were planning to come over to England to see us in July. At the moment, I just don’t know when they will be allowed to do this. It is weird not knowing when I will see them again.
The reason we have to quarantine ourselves is for the good of everyone, not necessarily for the good of me! There are lots of cons to being unable to leave my home and, I hate to say it, but I miss school more than I ever thought possible. I also miss having the freedom to go out and visit different places, friends and family.
I feel like Rapunzel in terms of being locked away. I’m a feminist though so I don’t want to be rescued by a prince, but I cannot wait until this is over and I can go back to my normal life.
By Amelia, age 13
I am 13 years old and live in Reading, England. Until December 2019 I lived in Australia but my parents decided to move to England so we could spend time with my Granny and Grandad and have fun experiences travelling around UK and Europe.
We moved to Reading just before Christmas and I started at Alder Bridge Steiner School. I loved it there and everything was going really well for me until the coronavirus happened.
We already knew about the Coronavirus but did not know it would affect us so much. My Mum, Dad and I live with my grandparents in a small flat attached to their house. My grandparents are both 80 years old. They began “self-isolating” before the government even said they had to because they are vulnerable people because they are old. At first they were so freaked out that I was not allowed into the main house or to be in the same room as them. That was really hard.
Then my school had to shut down. I did my artwork, “Lockdown” a few weeks after the government closed my school. I only have 2 hours of online classes a day so there is certainly a lot of time to do art!
The quarantine has affected me and my family in many ways and, in my opinion, these have been mostly negative. There are always pros and cons in life but, in this situation, I think there are definitely more cons than pros, for me at least.
The biggest con for me is social. I feel very isolated because I only have my parents and old people to talk to. I do not have many friends in England because I recently moved over from Australia and now I can’t see the few I have, or spend time with them. This has been very confronting for me. I feel more tired now that I don’t have the routine of going to school and being in a classroom with other kids. I miss being able to go somewhere outside my home even if that place is school!
Another social thing I do is netball. I was lucky enough to get into a county netball team (I am almost 6ft tall so that definitely helps!). But all sport was cancelled because of the pandemic. This had been my only source of exercise and now I feel sloppy because I only get to run around with the dogs in my backyard. I miss the girls on my team. I miss the exercise and feeling fit and strong.
The quarantine has also affected my family and this affects me. My Dad has really struggled to get a job. He finally got one working as a courier but he is gone from 5.30am and when he gets home he is really tired. He has to work 6 days a week and he earns very little money. This has placed a lot of stress on my family and this makes me feel sad because I don’t like to see my family this way.
My big brother and sister are back in Australia and were planning to come over to England to see us in July. At the moment, I just don’t know when they will be allowed to do this. It is weird not knowing when I will see them again.
The reason we have to quarantine ourselves is for the good of everyone, not necessarily for the good of me! There are lots of cons to being unable to leave my home and, I hate to say it, but I miss school more than I ever thought possible. I also miss having the freedom to go out and visit different places, friends and family.
I feel like Rapunzel in terms of being locked away. I’m a feminist though so I don’t want to be rescued by a prince, but I cannot wait until this is over and I can go back to my normal life.
By Amelia, age 13
Stannar
Tar ett andetag och inser hur fort du sprang
Inser att du saknar tystnaden
Att du hade glömt hur det känns att vara ensam
Hur mycket du tycker om det
Tid för skapande, kunskap, att ge näring
Att känna, att vara
Tystnad för själen
Andas…
Stopping
Taking a breath and seeing how quickly you were running
Realising you missed the quiet
That you forgot how it feels to be on your own
Remembering you like it
The time to create, learn, nurture
To feel, to be
Quiet for the soul
Breathe…
Stannar
Tar ett andetag och inser hur fort du sprang
Inser att du saknar tystnaden
Att du hade glömt hur det känns att vara ensam
Hur mycket du tycker om det
Tid för skapande, kunskap, att ge näring
Att känna, att vara
Tystnad för själen
Andas…
Stopping
Taking a breath and seeing how quickly you were running
Realising you missed the quiet
That you forgot how it feels to be on your own
Remembering you like it
The time to create, learn, nurture
To feel, to be
Quiet for the soul
Breathe…
Bubble joy. Filmed on our shared allotment.
I’ve attached a photo, taken at the beginning of May, of my allotment. Because it is across the road from my house, I have been able to go there, even though I have been self isolating. It has been my saviour, because of the need to keep up with the cultivation and watch the growth of the plants. Also chatting, socially distanced, with other allotmenteers.
Misery! But also blue sky, birds, butterflies and flowers. Kindness and love – lots of love.
This song was written by Jackie early in lockdown when no-one knew quite what was happening! We then made a distance video in the garden and were lucky enough to catch the last of the summer heat. It helped to keep us sane in lockdown. Hope you enjoy it and stay well.
A Song of Our Time, composed by Jackie Doe. Vocals: Anne De Lima. Piano, Dulcimer & Flute: Jackie Doe. Cameraman: Chris Mercier. Directed and Produced by: Jackie Doe and Chris Mercier. Recorded at Whitehouse Studio, Reading.
Pictures and postcards hide patches in plaster
Holes in the roof tiles are letting in water
Playing piano won’t fix the holes faster
But lifts up my spirits and staves off disaster
May not look much to the cynical few
Who kick people down for just for something to do
They were not nurtured and they never grew
Within these four walls
Hapless and hopeless and homeless and jobless
Helpless and harmless and selfless and restless
Stressed and obsessed and the shaky-at-best
All lead to heartache and civil unrest
Everyone frantically trying to sell
A far cheaper imitation of themselves
Just to be recognised, just to be felt
Beyond these four walls
I was so happy when you came along
Lighting your fires and singing your song
I always wanted a place to belong
I’m back in the wilderness now that you’re gone
Battered and broken and wondering why
I’m clinging to hope that is bleeding me dry
Crisis of faith and I’m ready to cry
Don’t know if I have a reason to try
Something I learned from a past generation
That knew the true meaning of annihilation
All we’ve got left is our imagination
And these four walls
Searching for calm in a world full of hurt
All for the want of a comforting word
Found the most powerful moment of silence that I’ve ever heard
In these four walls
These four walls
16/05/2013
Pictures and postcards hide patches in plaster
Holes in the roof tiles are letting in water
Playing piano won’t fix the holes faster
But lifts up my spirits and staves off disaster
May not look much to the cynical few
Who kick people down for just for something to do
They were not nurtured and they never grew
Within these four walls
Hapless and hopeless and homeless and jobless
Helpless and harmless and selfless and restless
Stressed and obsessed and the shaky-at-best
All lead to heartache and civil unrest
Everyone frantically trying to sell
A far cheaper imitation of themselves
Just to be recognised, just to be felt
Beyond these four walls
I was so happy when you came along
Lighting your fires and singing your song
I always wanted a place to belong
I’m back in the wilderness now that you’re gone
Battered and broken and wondering why
I’m clinging to hope that is bleeding me dry
Crisis of faith and I’m ready to cry
Don’t know if I have a reason to try
Something I learned from a past generation
That knew the true meaning of annihilation
All we’ve got left is our imagination
And these four walls
Searching for calm in a world full of hurt
All for the want of a comforting word
Found the most powerful moment of silence that I’ve ever heard
In these four walls
These four walls
16/05/2013
I might have a poem actually, believe it or not. It’s seven years old but could have been written for this. I couldn’t work out what I was trying to say with it at the time. It actually somehow makes more sense to me now!
This is a photo from Reading Hydro community renewable power project, where we’ve been working hard throughout lockdown to get us to the position to build this year. These are socially distanced volunteers involved in site preparation work.
Nelson’s Victory, drawn during online lockdown lessons.
Colour contrast exercise done during online art class.
Green – not knowing what we are doing but working it out together – finding green space!
Lots of baking going on to fill the time and fill the family’s tummies!
One word to sum up lockdown? Long.
I am submitting a photo of my Mandala Stone to add to your Rising Sun Digital Quilt as it reminds me to be grateful for all in life.
We’ve seen more bees and butterflies this year. This is a photo I took of a bee enjoying the clear air in our garden in late March. My experience of lockdown was “work, exercise, sleep, repeat” and I needed to remind myself to take time out to focus on different things!
One word to sum up lockdown? ARGH!
Lockdown has given the world a chance to slow down and appreciate the joys of life we take for
granted. Enjoy Mother Nature and be a responsible human being. This is a painting I did.
One word/phrase to sum up lockdown? Be Kind to those around you.
Stand back for a moment
Close your eyes
Take a breath
We are at a crossroads
The world has taken an unexpected pause
And never have we had such opportunity
To begin a brand new normal
Look through your window
At the clear blue sky
Step outside and inhale an air
Untainted by traffic and industry
Listen to the birds chorus their approval
And smile at the impulsive caring
We now afford each other
Does that old normal
Of fossil fuels and plastic seas
Hold any sense of warm nostalgia
Do you long for the fight and clamour
Of eternal economic growth
GDP at any cost
Continents on fire
Floods and feuds
Flags and broken promises
Gated territories and hate speech
Fleeing hordes from war torn worlds
Washed up on beeches
Whilst we turn the page
To more of the same
We have taken the homeless from our streets
And housed them
We have offered help to those in need
Looking out for our neighbours
Both at home and overseas
We have recognised the fundamental importance
Of those that care for others
For the future of our children
And the wellbeing of our elders
That a society can be measured on its empathy and love
And when bold solutions are required
To face down global threat
We are able to come together as one planet
And say enough is enough
You will not defeat us
Have we learnt these things
Have we really changed
What will be the new normal
Are we brave enough
To take this moment
And let it live
Stand back for a moment
Close your eyes
Take a breath
We are at a crossroads
The world has taken an unexpected pause
And never have we had such opportunity
To begin a brand new normal
Look through your window
At the clear blue sky
Step outside and inhale an air
Untainted by traffic and industry
Listen to the birds chorus their approval
And smile at the impulsive caring
We now afford each other
Does that old normal
Of fossil fuels and plastic seas
Hold any sense of warm nostalgia
Do you long for the fight and clamour
Of eternal economic growth
GDP at any cost
Continents on fire
Floods and feuds
Flags and broken promises
Gated territories and hate speech
Fleeing hordes from war torn worlds
Washed up on beeches
Whilst we turn the page
To more of the same
We have taken the homeless from our streets
And housed them
We have offered help to those in need
Looking out for our neighbours
Both at home and overseas
We have recognised the fundamental importance
Of those that care for others
For the future of our children
And the wellbeing of our elders
That a society can be measured on its empathy and love
And when bold solutions are required
To face down global threat
We are able to come together as one planet
And say enough is enough
You will not defeat us
Have we learnt these things
Have we really changed
What will be the new normal
Are we brave enough
To take this moment
And let it live
‘Íde’: is an Irish proper name. It’s pronounced ‘ee-da’. It’s my wife’s name – she’s from Cork.
If destiny intertwined with fate,
What would our outcome be in life,
If left to our own devices.
We would in my opinion perish before our due date in this little period of time.
The rulings would be the defined elements outlined simply to provide us sustainability in vivid and continuation parts of life.
Do you think abbreviation in this instance can describe our very settled, but powerful ways to resolving problematic solutions or do you think it will inevitably be too hard to resolve, thus ending instantly no matter what we do?
The colours prove no,
Primary functions situated,
As if a destiny is the home we can demand.
Destiny defines itself to be impregnable without limitations.
What ultimately we do know,our time will soon end.
If destiny intertwined with fate,
What would our outcome be in life,
If left to our own devices.
We would in my opinion perish before our due date in this little period of time.
The rulings would be the defined elements outlined simply to provide us sustainability in vivid and continuation parts of life.
Do you think abbreviation in this instance can describe our very settled, but powerful ways to resolving problematic solutions or do you think it will inevitably be too hard to resolve, thus ending instantly no matter what we do?
The colours prove no,
Primary functions situated,
As if a destiny is the home we can demand.
Destiny defines itself to be impregnable without limitations.
What ultimately we do know,our time will soon end.
Discovering baking and trading with friends and neighbours.
Striking the Balance.
Throughout lockdown, our band Dolly and the Clothespegs posted a tune a day and some live broadcasts from many of the current members of the band and some of the previous members too. The tunes were recorded in each of the members homes and could be anything they wanted play or sing. This special addition lockdown offering, is one of those tunes from band members, Colonel Muzington Theremin Von Smythe , Miss Maisington, Roehamptonshire Von Noodles and Miss Ellington Wellington who are all part of the same family and were, at the time, all shielding due to Ellie’s cancer. The song was recorded in May for Dolly’s birthday. The 4 of us had been at home since March 16th and we are still shielding today (July 29).
One word to sum up lockdown? Opportunity
I have had a lot of time to reflect and appreciate the nature during the Covid-19 period. This photo represents what I have been doing almost every evening, admiring the beautiful sunset, which the windows made look like a photo collage and listening to my partner playing piano. I lost a job due to the lockdown so the moments like that have been very helpful in finding peace.
Lockdown is a time when domestic abuse victims and survivors were trapped with their abusers 24/7 with few routes to find support or escape. Berkshire Women’s Aid saw a dramatic increase in the number of women and children looking for a safe space to escape their abuser and rebuild their lives. In response to that need we saw an amazing coming together of our communities in Reading to support these women and children with food, toiletries, messages of support, and funding for more refuge beds. The response at such a difficult time for everyone was truly humbling.
Lonely lockdown away from home,
Grief and loss and feeling alone,
Losing not one but two of the family,
Left empty loss, but I had to be…
Had to be strong and take care of everything…
It was only on returning home the emotions began to sting…
I can’t begin to describe lockdown for me,
Now all I am left with is memories.
Lonely lockdown away from home,
Grief and loss and feeling alone,
Losing not one but two of the family,
Left empty loss, but I had to be…
Had to be strong and take care of everything…
It was only on returning home the emotions began to sting…
I can’t begin to describe lockdown for me,
Now all I am left with is memories.
The Window as a Symbol: Some thoughts about the Reading attack and an image of what the lockdown means to me.
This patch is a song taken from a virtual live performance I recorded at home
for the would-be original Are You Listening? Festival date this year. The
song is called ‘Tidal’ and kind of sums up my lockdown experience quite well
– up and down!
I feel very lucky to be cooped up with my husband and dog, Jasper through
lockdown, without too much financial uncertainty and a garden. I’ve been
helping a lovely elderly neighbour with shopping and thus have made a new
friend 🙂
It’s been an emotional time and my thoughts are with NHS and key workers,
people who have lost their jobs, people who are having to shield and those
living alone, and deeply with those who have lost loved ones in the midst of
all this.
On top of that I’m so proud and in support of those heading out around the
country – and the world – to support the BLM movement!
The majority of my work commitments were cancelled very early on and I’ve
really missed gigging and the social aspect of playing music in a group
setting. Apart from that I’ve enjoyed living a simpler, slower existence, lots of
yoga, running and gardening (and eating!) xx
One word to sum up lockdown? Tidal
Help and support from my lockdown co-worker. One word to sum up lockdown? Support
I found these cones on my daily walks and decided to paint one spike for every day that I could not see my grandchildren, in the seven colours of the rainbow, one for every day of the week. I added glitter for that extra sparkle. I hope it creates a more positive memory of something we all had to endure.
It’s friends who are family.
We are so lucky here as we are right on the edge of Reading and are within 25mins walk of open countryside. The glorious weather has meant we’ve done loads of exploring on foot.
During lockdown we decided to extend our patio. Half way through we discovered this Morrison shelter, which was built during world war 2. It was really interesting finding it, but more importantly it made me stop and think about what it would have been like in the war for the family that lived in our house. 4 people huddled together, whilst the bombs dropped around them. It was a moment when I was able to put into perspective what we were facing and going through, in comparison to what life would have been like then.
One word to sum up lockdown? Grateful
Disembodied dance drawings.
This is a picture of my boyfriend Shane and myself playing music in the garden. We were doing a recording for Dolly and the Clothespegs, one tune a day. It was one of those hot days early on in lockdown. As we finished some of our neighbours applauded. Connecting through music has been important during lockdown.
One word to sum up lockdown? Curious.
Captured corona viri. Where are the keys to locking up and opening?
Too long in isolation, I needed a quickie,
my allowed constitutional,
so mounting the old bicycle
I rode the canal, through the Oracle
passed the ghosts of the Cafes
no hoards, no bodies, no obstacles
to hinder the mind on its freewheely.
It was like High Noon at the OK Corral
all bodies, all distant, at least 6 feet under
When ahead,
the bandit Boris-bike took the bend
at full speed hurtling towards me.I could see,
over the black bandana covering the face,
his Deliveroo eyes showed
no distancing intent, no quarter, no grace.
I could see,
that it would be him, or it would be me.
The tumble weed tumbled in from left field
this new spoke in the works, rattled my cage
losing balance, I veer right on the bridge
keep my distance, frightened of change.
I’ll keep to my own path, now. Thanks!
In the pace and the peace we have found.
Graeme Davison, May 2020
Too long in isolation, I needed a quickie,
my allowed constitutional,
so mounting the old bicycle
I rode the canal, through the Oracle
passed the ghosts of the Cafes
no hoards, no bodies, no obstacles
to hinder the mind on its freewheely.
It was like High Noon at the OK Corral
all bodies, all distant, at least 6 feet under
When ahead,
the bandit Boris-bike took the bend
at full speed hurtling towards me.I could see,
over the black bandana covering the face,
his Deliveroo eyes showed
no distancing intent, no quarter, no grace.
I could see,
that it would be him, or it would be me.
The tumble weed tumbled in from left field
this new spoke in the works, rattled my cage
losing balance, I veer right on the bridge
keep my distance, frightened of change.
I’ll keep to my own path, now. Thanks!
In the pace and the peace we have found.
Graeme Davison, May 2020
Through rocks to the stars
I have entered two photographs, because lockdown for me was in two phases. After losing my lovely Grandparents to covid-19, I had to quarantine away from home, taking care of my mum. I spent many an hour only seeing the light that crept in through the cracks in the curtains. The first photograph is a radio silhouette and is significant as it was my Grandfather’s and it kept consistently, and quite peculiarly, changing stations. The second photograph is a shot of the lockdown rain from my own window at home in Reading. After almost 7 weeks away, I returned home and the rain began… in many ways.
Lockdown for me has meant big changes to everything I hold dear; including be separated from my family, friends and 1 year-old Niece (who’s birthday was sadly cancelled). It
has meant creating an office at home and giving up some of the favourite parts of my job such as working with children and volunteers in the community and my colleagues in the office. But it has also been a time for me to focus on myself and my partner and rediscover my creativity. I have created cards, paintings, small craft projects and completed a giant paint by numbers during
my new evenings off! I have also started painting rocks for the local Reading Kindness Rocks facebook group and this photo is a collection of my first rocks. I have also recently painted memorial rocks for the victims of the Reading Forbury Gardens attack. It’s been a tough time but some of the small kindnesses have made a huge difference to me during this pandemic.
One word to sum up lockdown? Creativity.
This art piece is called Metamorphosis. The artwork is about about how we found ourselves changing during quarantine, physically and mentally, from what we have always known into something new and unrecognizable. While it has been an exceptionally challenging time, quarantine has removed many outer layers of ourselves and given us a chance to internally reflect on ourselves and our priorities. We now see ourselves differently and have been noticing parts of ourselves change. We have developed new habits and completely abandoned habits which we thought were essential to our personality. The viewer’s experience determines whether they see the change as a positive change or a negative change.
One word to sum up lockdown: اكتشاف الذات
Translation from Arabic to English: Self-discovery.
Covid spread across the globe from the treatment of wild animals in a food market. Nature showing us what we already knew, much of what we do is wrong. Ecocide, factory farming, industrialization, globalisation. But as the pollution levels dropped & dust settled Nature relieved a beautiful sunlight, clear air & crisp clean clouds, the like of which we have only seen in ancient oil paintings. A promise of what we can achieve if we can only organise our lives.
One word to sum up lockdown? Hope (the last in Pandora’s box flying out into the clear air).
There are still planes
in the sky even now
still flying to far
off lands
which seem much further
off now
than they were before
The vapour trails
are much thinner
now
it seems like a
novelty
a rare occasion
like it once was
so many years
ago now
So many years
now it seems like
just a distant
memory…
IM-March 24th 2020
There are still planes
in the sky even now
still flying to far
off lands
which seem much further
off now
than they were before
The vapour trails
are much thinner
now
it seems like a
novelty
a rare occasion
like it once was
so many years
ago now
So many years
now it seems like
just a distant
memory…
IM-March 24th 2020
I have written a series of poems over the months just before, and during lockdown; they deal with observations and reflections on the atmosphere and a strange sense of detachment I have felt…with impressions mainly filtered through the news and social media, not to mention the physical changes such as the clear, pristine skies devoid of any vapour trails, and listening with fresh ears to the vociferous birdsong.
Apart from early anxieties over supplies of loo rolls and other necessities, it has not impacted me the same as those who still need to work and earn a living; I am retired, and can get by. But I have friends, particularly some involved in the arts, who have obviously had to struggle, and I am so impressed and in awe of their resilience and ability to retain their humour and good spirits.
Every Saturday night during lockdown I hosted an online quiz. Quiz members included family members, friends, friends of friends, and so on. There was a good
representation of people who go to events in the Rising Sun and there were people in Canada, the Netherlands, Ireland, France and Bournemouth. The concept was to allow teams to be in different houses, but still being able to chat about each question away from the other group, recreating a pub quiz environment as much as possible, with them not having to worry about anything more than joining the call. It brought people together, people tried to guess what my specialist round would be each week, and I asked some ridiculous questions. The first week I wore a bowtie, and it became my trademark. The photo is of a thank you card one of the teams made for me. It was a few hours of normality and something to look forward to each week for 14 weeks.
One word to sum up lockdown? Quizmaster
I am 13 years old and live in Reading, England. Until December 2019 I lived in Australia but my parents decided to move to England so we could spend time with my Granny and Grandad and have fun experiences travelling around UK and Europe.
We moved to Reading just before Christmas and I started at Alder Bridge Steiner School. I loved it there and everything was going really well for me until the coronavirus happened.
We already knew about the Coronavirus but did not know it would affect us so much. My Mum, Dad and I live with my grandparents in a small flat attached to their house. My grandparents are both 80 years old. They began “self-isolating” before the government even said they had to because they are vulnerable people because they are old. At first they were so freaked out that I was not allowed into the main house or to be in the same room as them. That was really hard.
Then my school had to shut down. I did my artwork, “Lockdown” a few weeks after the government closed my school. I only have 2 hours of online classes a day so there is certainly a lot of time to do art!
The quarantine has affected me and my family in many ways and, in my opinion, these have been mostly negative. There are always pros and cons in life but, in this situation, I think there are definitely more cons than pros, for me at least.
The biggest con for me is social. I feel very isolated because I only have my parents and old people to talk to. I do not have many friends in England because I recently moved over from Australia and now I can’t see the few I have, or spend time with them. This has been very confronting for me. I feel more tired now that I don’t have the routine of going to school and being in a classroom with other kids. I miss being able to go somewhere outside my home even if that place is school!
Another social thing I do is netball. I was lucky enough to get into a county netball team (I am almost 6ft tall so that definitely helps!). But all sport was cancelled because of the pandemic. This had been my only source of exercise and now I feel sloppy because I only get to run around with the dogs in my backyard. I miss the girls on my team. I miss the exercise and feeling fit and strong.
The quarantine has also affected my family and this affects me. My Dad has really struggled to get a job. He finally got one working as a courier but he is gone from 5.30am and when he gets home he is really tired. He has to work 6 days a week and he earns very little money. This has placed a lot of stress on my family and this makes me feel sad because I don’t like to see my family this way.
My big brother and sister are back in Australia and were planning to come over to England to see us in July. At the moment, I just don’t know when they will be allowed to do this. It is weird not knowing when I will see them again.
The reason we have to quarantine ourselves is for the good of everyone, not necessarily for the good of me! There are lots of cons to being unable to leave my home and, I hate to say it, but I miss school more than I ever thought possible. I also miss having the freedom to go out and visit different places, friends and family.
I feel like Rapunzel in terms of being locked away. I’m a feminist though so I don’t want to be rescued by a prince, but I cannot wait until this is over and I can go back to my normal life.
By Amelia, Age 13
Fasciated Hawkbit. I noticed this amazing plant because of spending more time in the garden during lockdown. This photo shows when it just began to open its petals. It has sixteen heads and stems fused together, and so far, has produced over eighty additional flower heads sprouting from the thick stem and the base of the plant. I am hoping the fused heads will seed.
My word to go with this is: discovery.
Dancing in the garden in your slippers.
Artwork done during online lockdown lessons at home.
I have walked in the university grounds almost every day since lockdown began. I have been treated to wonderful displays of wild flowers and wild life on the lake and in the Harris Gardens. Together with the exercise, this has brought me a lot of joy and been good for my well-being in these surreal times.
One word/phrase to sum up lockdown? Let’s hope.
Stannar
Tar ett andetag och inser hur fort du sprang
Inser att du saknar tystnaden
Att du hade glömt hur det känns att vara ensam
Hur mycket du tycker om det
Tid för skapande, kunskap, att ge näring
Att känna, att vara
Tystnad för själen
Andas…
Stopping
Taking a breath and seeing how quickly you were running
Realising you missed the quiet
That you forgot how it feels to be on your own
Remembering you like it
The time to create, learn, nurture
To feel, to be
Quiet for the soul
Breathe…
Artwork created during online lockdown lessons at home.
Lockdown stopped us from being able to perform our music live and in person… But like many other artists the world over, we’ve been fortunate enough to perform online for new and supportive audiences during this surreal and difficult time. Now more than ever, music is a binding force that keeps us all together, even when we are apart. As musicians, our gift is our song, and so we wrote and released a special single (“Not All Heroes Wear Capes”) to raise funds for NHS Charity Together… It was our way of giving thanks to the many heroes of our time. Our patch is a ‘still’ of us performing this very song for one of the online shows.
One word to sum up lockdown? Exhausting!
It’s a pinhole photograph taken with a homemade camera in Forbury Gardens a few hours before the dreadful events there.
“There was a time”, the ancient woman said, leaning from her doorway chair, “when we had different traditions, other ways of being. We went out when we wanted, in groups made of passions and loves; we hugged and kissed and sang in crowds; opened doors without a thought; caught colds without concern – or not too much at least – walked outside without a care. The world was different then.”
I waited for her to say more: could this really have been true? I weighed it up in my inquisitive way, compared it to what my 9 years knew, decided it was lies. If it were true it would have been in books.
“There was a time”, the ancient woman said, leaning from her doorway chair, “when we had different traditions, other ways of being. We went out when we wanted, in groups made of passions and loves; we hugged and kissed and sang in crowds; opened doors without a thought; caught colds without concern – or not too much at least – walked outside without a care. The world was different then.”
I waited for her to say more: could this really have been true? I weighed it up in my inquisitive way, compared it to what my 9 years knew, decided it was lies. If it were true it would have been in books.
One word to sum up lockdown? Bygone.
My patch is a photo from
my new office at home. My lockdown, while incredibly tough and I missed my
family overseas so much, it was also filled with a lot of opportunity. I
secured a part time internship at the Rising Sun Arts Centre, an amazing and
welcoming community that I’m very lucky to be a part of even for a short
period of time. Alongside that, I also started my own company called
ABBXDESIGN as a freelance social and digital media manager, graphic designer
and illustrator. It has been so great and I’m loving every second of being
my own boss! I have also graduated university with a 2:1 in art and English
literature, during a pandemic! And moved from my student accommodation into
my first grown up apartment with my wonderful partner. It has definitely been
a ride.
A strange silence seeps
into the room through the cracks
between the window frames.
It’s as if the World outside
has collectively taken
a deep breath…
A straining ear catches
only a whiff of wind
disguised as a faint hum
of rubber against tarmac.
I want to catch it
in my hand
but it deftly evades
capture, like a ghost
that craves attention
but cannot change
form to trespass
into our dimension.
And the silence moves
about me with the shapeless
limbs of an amoeba-like
presence, surrounding me
with pulsating stabs
of decaying emptiness …
and now it sits in
the corner of my room
hunkering down like
an uninvited guest
and I am looking blankly
ahead, waiting for it
to leave of its own accord…
IM-16th March 2020
A strange silence seeps
into the room through the cracks
between the window frames.
It’s as if the World outside
has collectively taken
a deep breath…
A straining ear catches
only a whiff of wind
disguised as a faint hum
of rubber against tarmac.
I want to catch it
in my hand
but it deftly evades
capture, like a ghost
that craves attention
but cannot change
form to trespass
into our dimension.
And the silence moves
about me with the shapeless
limbs of an amoeba-like
presence, surrounding me
with pulsating stabs
of decaying emptiness …
and now it sits in
the corner of my room
hunkering down like
an uninvited guest
and I am looking blankly
ahead, waiting for it
to leave of its own accord…
IM-16th March 2020
I have written a series of poems over the months just before, and during lockdown; they deal with observations and reflections on the atmosphere and a strange sense of detachment I have felt…with impressions mainly filtered through the news and social media, not to mention the physical changes such as the clear, pristine skies devoid of any vapour trails, and listening with fresh ears to the vociferous birdsong.
Apart from early anxieties over supplies of loo rolls and other necessities, it has not impacted me the same as those who still need to work and earn a living; I am retired, and can get by. But I have friends, particularly some involved in the arts, who have obviously had to struggle, and I am so impressed and in awe of their resilience and ability to retain their humour and good spirits.
Lockdown was almost a ‘guilty pleasure’. Part of me enjoyed being confined with my own thoughts. Thinking, noticing, smelling, hearing and feeling. It’s too easy to keep busy and be avoidant! I feel lucky to have had a positive time and some space to think during lockdown. This image reflects my lockdown, it’s a small cave in Snowdonia which provided a safe, tranquil space with a spectacular and focussed view of the beautiful world out there! We don’t really need as much as we think we do, a shelter, food and water. I’ve learnt its also okay to ‘like‘ being on your own.
BLACK DIAMOND In honour Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Tom Neill (alto sax), Ruben Berrios (piano), Lawrie Wright (bass), Tony Lyons (drums). Recorded Berkshire May─June 2020. Produced by Tom Neill at Prime Studios, Windsor.
I live in a block of nine flats and for three years the only time I met my neighbours was at 2am in the morning when someone set the fire alarm off. Lockdown happened. And for the first time, we all relied on each other, depended on each other, and were kind to each other. We would meet on the communal rooftop everyday and chatter, natter and drink coffee (2meters apart, obvs). Then, turns out… Krystal at number 9 is a yoga instructor. Free yoga everyday… heaven or hell? I’m an overweight, yoga-hater… and yet I found myself trying to do “the crow” everyday. Silver linings and all that.
You never really know what you have until it’s taken away from you. And in the first few weeks of lockdown, my one hour of ‘exercise’ really felt like the most important thing for me to keep my balance, my mental health, my optimism.
I’ve discovered so many lovely places walking distance from my home but most importantly, I took the time to appreciate my surroundings, to really see, hear and feel nature. This has been my solace and I hope this new appreciation for nature never leaves me!
I’ve taken more of an interest in the Newtown gas tower during lockdown, as I have spent a lot of time in my garden, from where I can see the tower. This pic was taken from outside my front door.
Bubble Tango.
If you want a phrase of how I feel about lock down then to mis-quote the title of what I remember as a very good film – ‘Man, Interrupted’.
The patch is a picture of my daughter with the puppy we were able to adopt due to being at home for months on end. The text is a quotation from my daughter.
One word to sum up lockdown? Unprecedented
Dorit says: “Beatrice painted this on 9th June 2020 thinking of Pride week, the 60s and 70s vibe and of creating something cheerful during lockdown. It also happens to celebrate the NHS with the rainbow colours she chose :-). It really does cheer you up”.
Staying at home because of the virus first of all having no contact with family and friends feeling trapped and isolated and feeling lonely.
Renovated shed in progress and flowerbeds being turned into vegetable beds. Lockdown has been a productive time for me.
Translation from Arabic to English: Self-discovery.
I am an 88-year-old retired lecturer – I used to teach metallurgy. During the lockdown, my faith is in God. I believe that if you work for God, then God will look after you. Once you put your faith in God, then everything works fine. Your piece of mind. If you only have faith in money, you are always worried. When you have faith in God, you are not worried.
I am not money orientated, we have enough to eat and live. Contentment. If you are contented, then you are happy. If you are not contented and going after money, then you are worried.
I get shopping in Sainsbury’s – online. I used to go to the gym, but not during the lockdown. The lockdown virus has not taken me – I have not taken any risks. I’ve been doing our allotment too. I started the allotment and I now have a small vineyard! Grapes are coming up. Grapes, pears, plums…
My family is ok – we’ve been working in the garden, we keep together. We sit in the back garden and enjoy the sunshine. I also write articles – I’ve been busy writing religious articles and making Youtube videos – so far, I’ve made over 7,500; channel nijjhar1! But that’s not just during lockdown! This coronavirus and other things will come up to remind people to turn you to God. People have been helping each other. It’s the unconditional divine Love called “Agape”.
One word/phrase to sum up lockdown: Believe in God, and God will protect you.
Time spent outdoors with my little one.
Getting on with those
jobs that have been put off for so long. This image sums up the biggest one
of all – sorting out my massive and unsorted comic collection! I like to call
it “The End of Procrastination”!
Artwork created during online lockdown lessons at home.
My idea of perfect social distancing on my daily 5am walk.
Calming is my lockdown word.
Abi Hawkins, 30 May at 00:35
2020 hasn’t exactly gone to plan, has it? We are all experiencing different things, different head spaces, different work or not working situations. I’m getting furloughed, they are still working, my friend is self-employed and struggling, they are now out of work. It’s not fair, I don’t know how to help. This is a nightmare. I don’t know what to do. Following the rules, or not (getting cross with those in the ‘or not’ category).
Neighbours offering help (nice to meet them, check they are okay, give a friendly wave and get to know them over the weeks). Truth be told, I was so looking forward to that holiday. Supporting local businesses if and where we can. Feeling trapped in a Groundhog Day not of our own making. How can you not understand what 2 metres is by now?!
Wow, pub quizzes have adapted so well, I can dance around in my home to my DJ friends, I can meet up online with my mates still, outside soon, hopefully.
Clapping outside on a Thursday at 8PM, not sure if that’s okay or not in terms of what key workers want/need – proper pay, PPE etc., not coming from us clapping, is it? Is it okay to post a photo of gin or flowers on social media?
Hurry up and grow weeds, I’m so bored, I need an occupation. Feeling lucky to feel safe in my own home but knowing that home is now the least safe place for so many. Is it okay to be political on social media? Is it okay to ask? Everyone seems to be doing better than me, mastering at least one new skill as the weeks roll on, what’s wrong with me? Album challenge? Yes please, that gives me something positive to focus on.
I’ve had a lot of time to think over the last few weeks. I’m lucky, I have a great support network at this time in my life. If this had happened earlier in my life, I definitely would not have been prepared. I definitely would not be okay. Don’t second guess yourself. You are doing the best you can in crazy times.
(P.S. Always give yourself the same support that you would give any of your friends. You are most definitely worth that and more).
Abi Hawkins, 30 May at 00:35
2020 hasn’t exactly gone to plan, has it? We are all experiencing different things, different head spaces, different work or not working situations. I’m getting furloughed, they are still working, my friend is self-employed and struggling, they are now out of work. It’s not fair, I don’t know how to help. This is a nightmare. I don’t know what to do. Following the rules, or not (getting cross with those in the ‘or not’ category).
Neighbours offering help (nice to meet them, check they are okay, give a friendly wave and get to know them over the weeks). Truth be told, I was so looking forward to that holiday. Supporting local businesses if and where we can. Feeling trapped in a Groundhog Day not of our own making. How can you not understand what 2 metres is by now?!
Wow, pub quizzes have adapted so well, I can dance around in my home to my DJ friends, I can meet up online with my mates still, outside soon, hopefully.
Clapping outside on a Thursday at 8PM, not sure if that’s okay or not in terms of what key workers want/need – proper pay, PPE etc., not coming from us clapping, is it? Is it okay to post a photo of gin or flowers on social media?
Hurry up and grow weeds, I’m so bored, I need an occupation. Feeling lucky to feel safe in my own home but knowing that home is now the least safe place for so many. Is it okay to be political on social media? Is it okay to ask? Everyone seems to be doing better than me, mastering at least one new skill as the weeks roll on, what’s wrong with me? Album challenge? Yes please, that gives me something positive to focus on.
I’ve had a lot of time to think over the last few weeks. I’m lucky, I have a great support network at this time in my life. If this had happened earlier in my life, I definitely would not have been prepared. I definitely would not be okay. Don’t second guess yourself. You are doing the best you can in crazy times.
(P.S. Always give yourself the same support that you would give any of your friends. You are most definitely worth that and more).
I had just taken part in a quiz and see my friend Tim DJ from his kitchen and I just sat down and wrote how I felt right there and then and uploaded it to facebook and went to bed. I was astonished how much it resonated with my friends the next day. Honestly thought it would get less than ten reaction and no comments! Experience of lockdown has been extremely lucky but also filled with anxiety for all the pain people are going through.
Do not touch.
One word to describe lockdown: Possibilities.
A homemade gratitude to all the key workers working during this time. I hope they get the recognition they truly deserve. Thank you x
I’m working at the hospital these days, and I don’t get much chance to isolate. And that leads me on to my word of choice “knackered”, and the other word that’s been plaguing me not long after lockdown started “knee pain” (don’t get old).
I’m a wild swimmer and I particularly love swimming in the river. During lockdown swimming is one of the things I miss most. Here is me in all my goggle-eyed glory on my first swim back in the glorious Thames!
Per aspera ad astra / Through rocks to the stars / Rögökön át a csillagokig
Exhausted.
It’s late April, the skies glinting
Lapis blue, cleared of the old clutter;
The intersecting lines of jet trails
Erased by an invisible rubber.
Unsurprisingly, it seems, the
Pristine sky feels more intense;
Perhaps the quietude focuses the mind,
Effecting this sensation on the eye.
And hanging over everything
The indeterminate sound of
Silent death sneaking up behind you
Unawares, tainting the infiltrated air.
Meanwhile, the body count continues,
On the rise in stealthy clicks
Of a statistician’s slide rule, while
We fortunate ones lap up the daily
Updates, wrestle with new protocols,
Keeping a respectable distance,
Searching for clearer rationales
To underpin the shifting ground
Beneath this new beast of reality.
But as my ears ring to a chorus
Of birdsong that accompanies my
New- minted daily exercise routine,
Death does not walk with me; He
Is elsewhere, harvesting another’s grief,
Curving the air like a winged scavenger
Picking off the remnant of what’s
Left of someone else’s dying breath.
And I count myself lucky to be
Confined between these open walls
Of leafy green beneath a ceiling of
Blue infinity; untrammelled, free
To ruminate over what I might be
Preparing later for my next meal.
IM-11th May 2020
It’s late April, the skies glinting
Lapis blue, cleared of the old clutter;
The intersecting lines of jet trails
Erased by an invisible rubber.
Unsurprisingly, it seems, the
Pristine sky feels more intense;
Perhaps the quietude focuses the mind,
Effecting this sensation on the eye.
And hanging over everything
The indeterminate sound of
Silent death sneaking up behind you
Unawares, tainting the infiltrated air.
Meanwhile, the body count continues,
On the rise in stealthy clicks
Of a statistician’s slide rule, while
We fortunate ones lap up the daily
Updates, wrestle with new protocols,
Keeping a respectable distance,
Searching for clearer rationales
To underpin the shifting ground
Beneath this new beast of reality.
But as my ears ring to a chorus
Of birdsong that accompanies my
New- minted daily exercise routine,
Death does not walk with me; He
Is elsewhere, harvesting another’s grief,
Curving the air like a winged scavenger
Picking off the remnant of what’s
Left of someone else’s dying breath.
And I count myself lucky to be
Confined between these open walls
Of leafy green beneath a ceiling of
Blue infinity; untrammelled, free
To ruminate over what I might be
Preparing later for my next meal.
IM-11th May 2020
I have written a series of poems over the months just before, and during lockdown; they deal with observations and reflections on the atmosphere and a strange sense of detachment I have felt…with impressions mainly filtered through the news and social media, not to mention the physical changes such as the clear, pristine skies devoid of any vapour trails, and listening with fresh ears to the vociferous birdsong.
Apart from early anxieties over supplies of loo rolls and other necessities, it has not impacted me the same as those who still need to work and earn a living; I am retired, and can get by. But I have friends, particularly some involved in the arts, who have obviously had to struggle, and I am so impressed and in awe of their resilience and ability to retain their humour and good spirits.
Suzanne Floss Stallard. Simon Hall. Nama Stallard Hall.