Well done and thank you. (A thank you in times of crisis)

Gratitude to a nation of helpers, and disgust at selfishness of a few.

It came out of the East like a raging wind
And covered the land from beginning to end
Then went beyond to the rest of the world
A scourge of death with its claws uncurled
No riding of horses or cutting to death
But hid in the lungs and passed on the breath
No shouting in victory nor waving of flag
No telling of bravery over which one could brag
But murder of organs and death of the lungs
Slim chance of survival once it had begun
And oh pity the loved ones who had to stand by
Stood at a safe distance to endlessly cry
It isn't enough but it's all you can do
There isn't an answer. Not even a clue
But bravery? Oh yes, bravery was there
But hidden behind the protective wear
Behind masks and clothing hiding the face
Of the kind loving hearts all over the place
Stood beside beds giving comfort and care
Showing love and support in a warm loving stare
For a smile is lost behind a face under cover
And who is to tell if it's stranger or lover?
But a soft whispered word urging you on
Saying 'your 'doing well' and, softly 'hold on'
It was frightening, so frightening to those outside
But to those on the inner there was no place to hide
You just had to bare it and bare it with grace
The victims were many and filled every space
But what brought it home and made it much worse
Was to see there a bed occupied by a nurse!
Such dedication brings a tear to the eye
You cannot comprehend it so how hard you try
It's not enough that they work every second
That they all stood as one when necessity beckoned
But to give their life is just beyond belief
The country in its sorrow should drown in its grief
Any Doctor who died was a son or a brother
And some broken hearted child weeps for its Mother

So when it's all over let us ring out the bells
The cheers and the laughter and the music swell
And give heartfelt thanks to the Doctors and Nurses
And tell the politicians to place thanks in their purses
When her Majesty is creating new knights let them steer
The proud politicians to a place at the rear
And when we're all applauding let them stand everyone
To the Doctors and Nurses for a job WELL DONE!

Reviews

[Relic]

This deserves a round of applause for such an effective message and the time it probably took you to write the poem. The people you speak of are true heroes in every sense of the word. They've been behind the scenes giving their all and know there's more to come. But they do it.

This has been a rough year. Who knows what next year will bring, yet lets hope a better one is in store.

Great poem.

[barleygirl]

I'm enchanted with your poem! Wow! So little is said about all those selfless people who interact with others out of necessity . . . health care workers, as hailed in your poem, but also the many first responders out there protecting our lives by interacting with rowdies who scorn protective gear (of which the USA seems to be filled). I love you for taking the time to make this such a special tribute, full of honor & love & well-crafted details (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[John the Baptist]

Very good and sustained rhyming in this one. Very evocative, too, with the scenes of devotion to duty. The pandemic is the subject, but I was reminded of the Battle of Britain.