To you, who gave everything…

To you, with your empty words,
hollow promises and lies
To you, who ignored simple orders
to stay at home, just stay inside
To you, who scam the vulnerable
exploiting their struggle and plight
And to you, the perpetrators of abuse
the fear you create, is all we despise

You gave nothing, absolutely nothing 
In our darkest hours, this tragic time

But to you, who keep the country running
you have our love, you have our pride
To you, who deliver essential goods
and the thousands of miles you drive
To you, who stack the shelves,
the shop workers on the front line
And to you who stayed at home
Clapping for carers on Thursday nights

To you, delivering post or emptying bins
the length and breadth of the land
To you, in communities supporting folk
who need that helping hand
To you, the volunteers and key workers
together, you’re making a stand
Selfless actions fighting an enemy
Not one of us really understands

And to every one of you, caring for the sick
every single hour, risking your own lives
Never shirking your duties once
despite the danger you might find
Yes you, you who gave everything
You gave us hope in these worrying times
Our hearts are filled with gratitude
We owe you all our lives…

Jeff Dawson April 2020