I don't want to distance from my friends
I don't want to wear a mask to the shops
I don't want to go without hugs from family
I don't want to santise my hands all the time
I don't want my kids to miss out
I don't want to skip celebrating birthdays
I don't want to acquiesce
But I will
I will do all this
And whatever else is asked of me
If it makes a difference
If it speeds relief
Because there are greater things at stake
Than my own wants and needs
And I won't use the failures of politicians
To excuse my own behaviour
Through this unimaginable ordeal
I will teach my kids about
Endurance
Determination
Selflessness
Courage
I will conquer my own fears
And soothe theirs
I will help them understand the value
Of the greater good
I will hold them extra tight
And love them extra hard
And when it is over
We will know that we did all we could
Not for ourselves, but for each other
For those we love
And for the beautiful world around us
We will remember that we did it together
That we strived and persevered
It wasn't easy; but we tried
And you?
When it is over
When anguish gives way to clarity
When the mist evaporates
And the clouded mirror
Reveals a crisp reflection once more
When your former self stares deep
Into the eyes of the new you
What will you know of each other?
