Enemy on the Doorstep

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber 

Today’s (new) poem is a villanelle.

Now, no poem can even begin to  do justice to the sheer horror many people across the world are having to endure from Covid-19, especially the loss of family and friends; nor will those of us who survive  easily recover from months of feeling undermined, drained even, physically and emotionally, at every step we take with the threat of an invisible enemy hanging over us. As yet, there is no vaccine, no sure means of defence, only certain safety precautions we can take.

There will always be those who will ignore safety precautions, but they need to bear in mind that, by doing so, they are putting not only themselves at risk, but also everyone with whom they come into contact. 

I am not convinced that some political leaders have a clue, but we need to pull together, give native common sense its head and play safe. 

Like it or not, we are all in this for the long haul; as a common humanity, we owe it to each other to be kind and helpful, and not let the stress we are all under make itself felt by giving way to selfish, even aggressive behaviour, great though the temptation may be; easier said than done, perhaps, but needs must …

This poem is a villanelle.

ENEMY ON THE  DOORSTEP

Walking down any local street, 
for all its invasion of personal space,
social distancing those we meet         

Mixing with friends, still a treat,
even with a face mask firmly in place,
walking down any local street 

Covid-19 has the politicians beat,
folks being "let go" at every workspace,
social distancing those we meet

Battling on with no hands, no feet,
against an enemy that hasn't even a face,
walking down any local street 

Worldwide, survival no mean feat,
for all mind-body-spirit set back a-pace,
walking down any local street 

Human hearts conceding no defeat,
(no matter the fate of all the human race);
walking down any local street,
social distancing those we meet

Copyright R. N. Taber 2020

[Note: Apologies to readers for the mess I left this poem in for some days. I have not been well and sort of lost the plot; no Covid symptoms, just stress and other age-related issues. Many thanks to J.K. who took the trouble to email me and bring it to my attention.]RNT