Somebody must look for rainbows
under leaden skies –
work furloughed, playgrounds are empty,
plans cancelled, there’s no excuse.
We’ve read, drew and danced
cooked and home-schooled
played on the iPad
watched T.V. and then…
we stopped.
We sang in cages
placed bears in windows
clapped on doorsteps
and heard each other.
We grieved for those lost,
each smarting raindrop.
But it will end,
and the children will teach us
to look for rainbows.
…………
This poem was inspired by a child’s sunny wave to me at my doorstep in Andersonstown, Belfast. Anita is supported by an iDA award, managed by the University of Atypical on behalf of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.