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Please forgive this indulgence. A departure from my ranty blogging.

This is a poem I have written to reflect some of the very many mentoring calls I have had in the last few weeks. Most calls start with something inconsequential, but what is sad to hear is when things are said that in normal times would be profoundly difficult, and they are said as if they are inconsequential too.

This poem is just my way of processing some of what I have heard; writing is my way to calm my swirling mind. However what I want to say is that it is ok to be sad when sad things are happening. We must never flatten the curve of our emotions. Please take care. Be kind and never be so alone that you cannot say to someone how you feel. Ranty blogging will return soon.

“How are you?”

“Not too bad. It’s a bit strange, but you know – it’s ok”

Thank goodness for Wifi

Mustn’t grumble, still alive

My boss is great, not demanding

A time to shine while not commuting

“How are you?”

“Not too bad. It’s a bit strange, but you know – it’s ok”

Home school stuff online is great

Flour’s hard to find, weeks to wait

We couldn’t say goodbye to dad

Ryanair refund? That’s too bad

“How are you?”

“Not too bad. It’s a bit strange, but you know – it’s ok”

It’s nice to sit in the garden though.

No not redundant, just on furlough

Not seen my daughter for weeks

I don’t want to read, I cannot sleep.

“How are you?”

“Not too bad. It’s a bit strange, but you know – it’s ok”

Clapped for all those who are caring

Want to pause when birds are singing

I guess I won’t see mum again

Too many runners are a pain.

“How are you?”

“Not too bad. It’s a bit strange, but you know – it’s ok”

Mustn’t cry in front of the kids

Eating what we have in the fridge

So proud of what my colleagues do

I’m not sure anymore, are you?

“How are you?”

“Not too bad. It’s a bit strange, but you know – it’s ok”

Cheerful on Zoom, but my house is a mess

Virtual drinks help to hide the stress

Not sure if old lives have really gone

The beginning isn’t over and the end has not begun.

Paul Gilbert. For more insights, see: