The curfew tolls the knell of passing Tom,
Who came into our lives a splendid way
A gentleman has left and sadly gone,
We thank you Tom, for cheering us this day.

Clap for Carers

In that unwonted time of separation,
Suspended in our bubble, we lived remotely,
Staged a simulacrum of life on screens;
Though vile deaths flickered there, vicariously.

At dusk a trumpet sounded when the Clap began.
Along the shuttered street, amazingly,
Doors gave birth to people,
Scores applauding where they stand.
We waved to neighbours, whom we hardly knew,
Felt good about ourselves,
For giving thanks where thanks were due.

Did you clap? Did your saucepan sing?
Or did you ... nothing find to give?

C J Arthur