Late Night Cogitations

Tick, tick, tick
but never tock.
Tap, tappetty tap, tap, tap
but never dance.
I strain my ears to hear a sound
any sound...
Is that music?
Or just my ears playing tricks on me?

What is it like to be trapped in a high-rise flat.
Alone.
Intermitant distant noises
are all that reassure you
that you are not the only one left.
Outside, no-one stirs in the silent shadowy streets
and shopping malls.
Inside, fear and anxiety stalk you.
What if you get ill?
Who will know?
Who will care?
Side by side in separate flats
your neighbours share
your fears.
There are no answers.
The prayers of the world form a shield around you
which you cannot perceive in your isolation.
You do not know that the world watches on
from a safe distance.
Trying to decode the news.
The numbers are small but the projects are large.
Numbers do not add up.
You constantly monitor your health - is my throat sore?
Am I succumbing to this unfamiliar ailment
that has invaded this land like an unwelcome parasite?

In Syria, the cold is relentless
food in short supply
heat non existent.
The world ignores the plight of the starving children.
It has no stomach for a fight that is not fuelled by oil...

South America and Mexico
Drug cartels rule
and those who oppose
are soon removed.

We pin our hopes on snowdrops
which have no choice but to bloom,
for that is what they are programmed to do.
Do not place too much importance on horticultural happenings.
Be cheered by the delicate heads of Galanthus,
appreciate their pastel purity
but they will never be your salvation.
Turn instead to the source
and pray that humankind
remembers to imitate that generous grace.