POETRY CORNER Hugs

The entire nation could do with a group hug right now, but while we wait for the storm to pass, Carole Brewer from Belper, Derbyshire, has written a poem called Hugs to remind us why they’re so important.

Poet Carol, 58, is mum to four children: “Two are mine plus two extra via my husband Chris,” and has been a community volunteer for many years since a serious illness and stroke cut short her working life in 2014.

“I’ve always loved writing poetry.

I’d write it to mark birthdays, weddings, family events – happy and sad – and also when I was in hospital having chemotherapy, I’d write poems to tell everyone how I was doing.

“During lockdown I decided to do what my family and friends have been urging for ever and finally put something in print, so I published my book Verses the Virus.”

Our hugs have all gone missing – we need them back real soon

They’re as urgent as the vaccine, to keep us COVID-SAFE – immune A hug to say ‘I’ve missed you’, ‘I’m sorry’ or ‘well done’

A hug that helps heal heartache, or a ‘bounce-off ’ hug for fun

A gentle hug that holds a newborn, a bear hug that squeezes tight Those for bedtime or ‘good morning’, or ‘everything will be alright’

A hug’s a precious feeling we’d never thought we’d be without

Of all the things on hold right now, a hug’s right up there, there’s no doubt

So when this wretched time is over and we’re told it’s safe to do

Our arms will do what’s natural and wrap round loved ones close to you

The full version of Hugs appears in Carole’s book Verses the Virus, which is available on Amazon and from her website at pencilpoised. com. A donation from each sale goes to NHS Charities Together and Mental Health UK.