My Dear Covid Friends

By Claire Baldry Mar 19, 2023

March 23rd 2023 is the third anniversary of the start of the lockdown in the UK. To mark this occasion I have written a poem in the form of a letter to everyone who we sadly lost to the pandemic.

My Dear Covid Friends,

We want you to know that you left empty spaces,
Unoccupied chairs, unwanted silence, solitary places,
No one to tell about our day,
No one to watch the grandchildren play,
We still notice your unused mug,
The smell of your perfume, crave the warmth of your hug

You missed things too…

Three Prime Ministers, Russia at war,
Earthquakes, floods, prices that soar
Passing away is not an option for mankind,
But the manner of your departure still hurts in our mind
We would not choose your route to a future land,
We wanted to be with you and to hold your hand

But know this….

You will always be there in our innermost parts,
Your presence changed us, you remain in our hearts
Our memories of each one of you will never be gone,
Your earthly form has vanished, but your spirit lives on

Yours most sincerely

About the author

Claire Baldry

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Claire is a retired Headteacher who lives on the East Sussex coast. Claire is an established speaker, performance poet and writer. She has a strong following on You Tube and has been listed in the top 100 Poetry Rivals National Competition. Claire has published five booklets of poetry which have sold hundreds of copies. 'Simply Bexhill' was published in early June 2014, and 'Simply Christmas' in November 2014. Her third publication is a series of narrative poems entitled 'The De La Warr Date'. She more recently published 'Seaside and Sailaway', which includes a section of poems about holidays on cruise ships, and Simply Modern Life. Claire has published two full-length novels, the first called 'Different Genes'. and more recently 'My Daughter's Wedding'. Both are romantic stories about love in later life, combined with a gripping mystery. The books can be purchased through bookshops, Amazon or borrowed from any local library. Links can be found at ww.w.clairebaldry.com .Claire and her husband were awarded the SE Diabetes UK Inspire Award in 2017 for innovative ways of fundraising.