Creativity surviving isolation
EVERYONE I know seems to have survived the first few weeks of isolation, I suppose we carry on as we have been doing; supporting all our NHS staff and the carers who work in our communities and residential homes.
The Octagon Theatre have launched Octagon Online which includes a variety of fun, educational and creative activities that we can do at home; there are activities for all ages so log on and have a look, it could just save your sanity.
The writers of our borough have been busy as well.
As reported we are co-ordinating our workshops and everyone will be able to participate in responding to these, even if you’ve never written anything in your life; why not give it a go and send it to eileen. earnshaw@yahoo.co.uk if you’d like to have some feedback.
Here are a very small collection of the amazing work that has been sent so far:
My mother’s magical hands Performed miracles. Eased any bumps and bruises,
with invisible soothing cream.
They spoke, signing soundlessly.
A beckoning finger, and we came,
a silent pointing index finger or
a quietly raised palm? Enough said.
Outstretched hands spoke of love.
Her touch, gentle and protective.
It said, ‘I understand, trust me,
‘It will be all right,’ and it was.
She held our family safely in her palm.
Hands folded, but never quite still,
They danced gently to the music of her life,
interlaced with someone else’s fingers.
I made sure they were always mine.
A splayed hand against the glass
mirrored by another a quarter size a mouthed ‘I love you’ through the pane a tremulous smile a final wave goodbye a void, tears.
Car park closed; What is unfathomable point?
Accessed pedestrian gap to Five metre path Skirting reservoir. Requisite reassuring space Thankfully achievable. Sprinkling of vulnerables like me
Pass the time of day Across non-viral distance.
Turn into forest, Familiar path to Fifteen year old tree, Almost denuded. Dead oak eaves cling Where new buds Await spring opening.
Stand and ponder. Feel close, Perhaps too close; Will this be my last season?