There’s a war in the world, it’s in all the papers,

you could see it on Pathe when the train goes to town.

I live in the country, it made me feel anxious

but felt like a dream.

Pathe played music instead of explosions,

the black smoke was black but the fires were white.

Buildings were brickyards but not very neat,

we still have our roof so it won’t affect me.

They pulled people from holes, some wanted to walk,

others were stretchered, they had silent screams.

Some were not found; they had no need of God.

People walk funny on films, it seems.

Our village has villains who run the black-market,

sell things we can’t find, put people in debt.

They drive fast new cars, not any old cars –

they had the best ones bad money can get.

Dad had a car, but uncle’s was better.

Then dad worked with uncle and dad got one too.

We always had petrol, it came in green cans.

They were double ace cars, I’ll get one soon.

But dad went to heaven and uncle moved in.

It wasn’t the same but mum had more jewels.

We drove to the coast and ate meat every meal.

I wanted chocolate; my friends turned away.

I lay in the meadow,

the flowers grow higher,

and clouds are carefree.

So far,

it’s a good war for me.

               oo0oo

There’s a plague in the world, it’s all over the screens.

The trains are infected so we have to stay home.

I live in the suburbs, I don’t feel too anxious,

there are no silent screams.

We cover our faces with masks made at home,

it’s called PPE if you buy it on-line.

Neither type work – they let all the bugs in,

we infect one another so people still die.

We’re given strict rules – to begin with respected –

to stop medics dying, save NHS lives.

Key workers are saved but they have to keep working;

It’s the right thing to do and no one asked why.

Rules are for us as we are just voters,

but rules aren’t for visitors to beaches and parks.

Or Barnard Castle, if you’re part of the government

I’m happy at home but with Stock Market alarm.

I lay in the garden,

the flowers grow higher,

the clouds seem carefree.

So far,

it’s a good plague for me…

© Hector H Taylor 2020