Based on my feelings as we approached New year, 2022. What lessons, if any, had we learned?
Happy new year sounds a bit optimistic
As we rush to study the latest statistics
Omicron is surging of that there’s no doubt
Whilst restrictions and fear have stopped us going out.
We’ve been here before in this strangest of years.
Some have felt stressed while others shed tears.
Some lost their jobs and with it their pride
As the virus mutates leaving nowhere to hide
For others their lives will have changed for ever
With the death of a loved one, no longer together.
It’s such a cruel way to have lost a life
A husband, a father, a son or a wife.
For others their business has gone to the wall
Some employed many whilst others were small.
Hospitality and travel were particularly hard hit
Many staff found they had no choice but to quit.
But enough of the past we know it’s been tough
But if you're still standing for now that’s enough.
Our sense of what matters has come to the fore.
Our family our friends who we’ve missed more and more.
So take time to reflect on this strangest of years.
And the lessons it taught us as it challenged our fears.
The tunnel was long but there’s a light at the end
Let’s not forget those on whom we depend.
The doctors, the nurses, the teachers, our police
As they try to struggle to heal us, or keep the peace
Also spare a thought for our retail assistants
Whose roles make it difficult to socially distance
So many to thank the list is so long
If I got my way they would all get a “gong”
With the booster success we have something to cheer
As our chance of defeating this virus draw near.
As our thoughts turn to things we enjoyed for so long
Let’s learn the lessons from when things all went wrong
As we emerge from the tunnel back into the light
That “Happy New Year” might just be in sight.