In these strange
Unprecedented times
Spare a thought
For those who find
Themselves isolated
For days on end
Not having any physical interaction
Completely cut off from friends
With society practically closed
And many working from home
Or others furloughed, unemployed
Spending too much time alone
Do check in
Don’t leave them to rot
Consider visiting
So they know they’re not forgot
And if you do make plans
At least see them through
Don’t let someone down
Whose relying on you
You might just be
The highlight of their week
You may be the only other human
That they actually see
Physical contact is vital
Having company means so much
So keep your appointments where possible
Don’t deprive another of that stuff
Suicide rates
Are sky-high right now
People are lonely
But perhaps ashamed to reach out
Even the strong ones
Without diagnosed conditions
Are battling right now
With these f**king restrictions
So if someone goes quiet
Give them a shout
If they’ve suddenly gone AWOL
At least check them out!
I’m not saying it’s your job
To save someone’s life
But a sense of community
Would really be nice
We were meant to live in tribes
And take care of each other
Not exist in segregation
Terrified of our sisters and brothers
It’s so messed up
What is happening right now
The real killer isn’t COVID
If you were in any doubt
It’s depression, Alcoholism
Addiction and neglect
So please be a bit selfless
And you might just resurrect
Someone from their pit
Of despair
Just by, from time to time
Simply being there.
Rachel Rhodes 