Each boasting its own catchy tune
TV news programmes fill the room.
In case you missed a breaking problem,
it’s repeated again, and again, ad nauseam.
We are by statistics daily tossed
the human dimension easily lost.
Casualty in this worsening pandemic,
the loss of truth now grown endemic.
Government platitudes gravely spoken
cover the actions that are mostly token.
In the loss of lives, and continuing failures,
to protect the weakest of our neighbours.
Powerful figures fear loss of face,
when facing the truth is no disgrace.
Spouting promises about future glory,
they fail to connect with the dismal story.
The forgotten poor, their plight ignored
are waiting in vain for justice restored.
The wealthy can all protect their rights,
leaving the poorest to put out the lights.
Where now the inspiring news story
of sacrificial love, not personal glory?
Just a few break the pervading gloom,
each showing compassion, often on Zoom.
People acting together, showing they care
putting others first by being aware.
Children, adults, empathy growing in scope,
all with answers to need, renewing hope.
Let’s break the cycle of despairing news,
to give us a picture with different views.
Help us celebrate all the good we can do,
when we stand together to see it through
October 2020