In the last workshop we spent some time thinking about some of the things that have changed for us over both the last six months but also more generally with the passage of life. 

That was then

Machines whirring, women talking, learning, explaining, mugs steaming, that was then

Solitary machine, Zoom discussion, steaming mug now,

A long time off women talking, learning, explaining, sewing, always mugs steaming.

Muddy boots, dirty dogs, that was then

Now its thirsty dogs and where’s the shade?

Then will be group walks and happy dogs.

Bindweed choking, Mares tail crowding, dead heads everywhere, that was then

Now its productive ground, birds fed, life burgeoning

Then flowers will be ousted, regimented veg but tasty.

Then it was Tesco’s finest. Is it? Bread a necessary staple

Flour in clouds covering every surface but sourdough to die for now,

Then will be a kitchen doomed to be in a fog of flour for ever – but sour dough to die for.

 

Helen

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Spending a fortune on hair straightening. Embracing the curl.

…accepting the grey.

24 photos being developed from a holiday. Trying to edit 2,000+ images from latest trip.

…live recording of whole trip, minute by minute.

Mum and Dad only ever used cash. Gone contactless!

…finding jars full of cash during house clear out.

 Janet

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Traffic noise was vanquished by birdsong and now we sigh, wishing for more bees 

Late night raucous laughter, muted rumble of chatter and morphed into a new consideration code

Theatres jostling with excited anticipation, stand ghostly while we learned to step round the man

Busy shops, smelling of luxury became dark, dank boxes until masked figures make do and mend.

Kirsty

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That was then – From School to work age 15 no exams / jobs galore, take your pick

This is now – Students stunted, exams galore – but no score / form a queue of the unsure

Then will be – Fragmented dreams.

That was then – Rock and roll set the world alive

This is now – Silence resides behind closed doors

Then will be – Music streamed by technology / joyless, without a theme

That was then – Full on choice, retirement wide.

This is now – Not too sure of anything anymore.

Then will be – No ships, no planes, no trains nowhere.

That was then – Follow the reds, goals galore, enjoy the score.

This is now – Canned fans, dead pan. Trying hard to please.

Then will be – Animated players, cartoon teams, bets off stream.

Rae

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It’s a Mad World

March 2020

I walk towards the post-box.  A group of neighbours are chatting.  They’re standing at least two metres apart!  Everyone in Spar is wearing masks!  Am I mad?

August 2020

I’m queueing outside the post office.  Two neighbours are talking.  They’re standing too close to each other!  In the deli, another shopper isn’t wearing a mask!  Are they mad?

Cindy

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Children, run, shouting and swinging,

Now stuck indoors, with boredom beginning.

Then back at school, stuck in a bubble.

People working overtime, to get extra money

Lockdown means furlough pay, altho’ it’s funny

Time to go back into work, not so easy.

Crowds at football matches, bellow and chant

Home alone, in isolation, just company they want

Then, well separated, a few allowed back.

Meeting up in churches, with both family and friends

Online service streaming, seems it never ends

Limit to 30 worshippers, as singing ban remains.

Jane