These days we try to avoid the news,

the sick ministers in sweatshirts

sending video messages,

the succession of politicians

unable to provide any answers.

 

Today I cut the lawn, the first time

this year, and now it looks a picture

in this cold spring, despite

the moss, and scars of drought.

 

Tonight I spoke to our son

on the phone, and we talked

about old football matches

that you can find on YouTube.

 

Later this same night we heard

that someone we knew had died.

His last posting on social media:

‘I wish I could get rid

of this dry cough.’