Silence

These are the strangest of times, aren't they. As a nation we have been shocked on many occasions by  acts of violence and terrorism on our streets but the advent of the Corona Virus lockdown is new and challenging for everyone. We are under attack from a deadly, invisible enemy that completely changed out daily lives.

Although we retain the freedom to leave our homes to purchase essentials and to exercise once a day, our government are now controlling almost every aspect of our existence. It is almost tempting to stay in bed, or to get up but stay in pyjamas all day.  Terry Waite, who was kidnapped and held captive for years, has reminded us that routine is essential to our mental well-being. To survive, we must function with a degree of normality. We must dress, put on our make-up, exercise, eat well and above all keep in touch with each other.

Many people are learning to meditate, making the effort to quieten their minds, seeking inner peace. We live normally in a very noisy world. We are surrounded by traffic noise, airplanes passing overhead, the chatter of children, the everyday noises that fill our days. So how can we find silence?

Since the lockdown was imposed a month ago there is certainly less traffic, the sky is clear and I no longer hear the squeals and laughter of children in the local school playground. I take my prescribed exercise in our local park, usually a busy hub of dog walkers and duck feeders. There are few visitors now, although I often encounter an older lady seated on a bench. I always enquire that they have all they need - it is important that isolation should not progress to loneliness. A caring word goes a long way during a long empty day and it is good for me too.

In the park, I can sit and reflect on the peacefulness of the lake although the quiet is regularly pierced by the unnerving siren of an ambulance speeding to the nearby hospital. Other sounds are more welcome. Everyday, I discover a new and thrilling bird call and sometimes, if I am very lucky, a curious feathered friend may alight to eat from my open palm, filled with treats. Earlier this week, I heard the most wonderful singing from a high branch as I walked along. My research since leads me to believe that it was a nightingale. How wonderful! I thought that they only lived in Berkley Square.

I have written a poem today, although the essence of it has been percolating for several days. It was time to record my thoughts on the reality of life under lockdown, if only in the hope that it will soon end and we will move towards the future in a new and better way

The pursuit of silence

Where can I find silence?
Not on a busy street
but since the Covid 19 lockdown
life round here has quietened -
almost gone to sleep. 

Hardly any traffic
as I shop for essentials
and people stand too far apart
socially distant. 
To share hellos. 

Once daily exercising. 
a perk, few people, 
a peaceful lake, the shade of trees. 
Yet now and then an ambulance
speeds occupant to meet their fate.

Deep into the woodland,
along the dappled paths
birds thrill songs of Spring
No silence here, so I sojourn
to seek the eventide.

As darkness falls
the streetlights drone,
inside the house a constant hum,
 a rattle and spasmodic squeak...
my fridge is on the blink.

So where is silence to be found?
Perhaps in deepest space
or is it just beyond the grave
that silence is complete.