Grandson

This poem from Pearl is about the impact of Covid on families and children.

GRANDSON

I put my hands out, little boy

To dance together, act your play,

But: “What about the germs?” you say.

You child of four,

You precious one

No touch, no contact,

No more fun?

Reminding me who should know more-

Covid rules, Covid law.

What life is this?

Can’t dance my ‘son-

A person’s life barely begun-

Like this !!?

It must be wrong ?

What’s in your head?

What make you of  this?

Masked adults, mustn’t kiss

We never had before like this,

Rules on rules

Locked inside out,

Timeless hours, screaming sirens, fallen flowers.

Trembling armies work to save

Children, finance, dying

Patients from their graves,

Screened by plastic PPE,

I feel so helpless,

Infant me.

We never knew, our lives were safe,

We held each other dear and far,

You saw my smile,

My joy in you, life on pause we’re living now,

I pray there’s time for us to see

A different future,

You and me.