(The Census took place on March 21st 2021. On March 23rd it was the anniversary of the start of lockdown, and countrywide there were ceremonies of reflection and remembrance for the people who lost their lives, 149,000 Covid-related at that date)
March brings a decade
count across the map
of Britain;
where people live
and people
die.
A shadow falls across
the spring this year;
daffodils mute
their trumpets, as
the wind
cries.
The birds flute from
trees and fields their
annual song,
but softer now
a lament
grows.
Broken flowers tell a
new story, not in
statistics web;
those not counted
lost beyond
sight.
Silent gardens hold
the hidden voices of
Covid’s victims;
so many lost
beyond our
tears.
Beauty reaches out to
heal families torn apart,
so violently;
but colours fail
to remove
despair.
We cannot be whole
this silent spring as
people weep.
All nature’s joys
stay mute
today.