Ann Goldstraw

Overwhelmed by everything
Great suffering You see
Painfulness and unpleasantness
And bouts of purgatory
Patients clearly worried sick
Spiritless and staid
Long suffering and now all this
As many of them fade

To be anxious for those suffering
Wanting them to stay
Well,and realising
Their uneasiness it may
Be so counter productive
Falling back to fear
On their last legs some of them
Those who You hold dear

This story is a true one
And I am there to nurse
The virus is on all our minds
Nothing could be worse
An invisible force it’s out there
Looking for hosts indeed
And being on the front line
Needing to succeed

I made my undertaking
Several years before
Serving the community
I was always sure
I had that magic in my eyes
Helping others through
With confidence of knowing
I could and it was true

That inner strength that character
A reawakening
I was a protector
Ready for anything
Untouchable unassailable
Though corona’s made me see
I feel entirely naked
And my vulnerability

Also checks and balances
The battle lines are drawn
The armour isn’t up to it
Despite what some have sworn
We all are facing danger
Our inner core must be
Shepherding our brethren
Out of adversity

A protectress
Standing forthright
Up against the threat
A warrior whose magic
In her stone is set
Having determination
To really see this through
The earnestness of knowing
And having the strength to do

What you were clearly born to do
Walk the weary way
The donkey work the daily grind
It’s with you
everyday
Your skilfulness you’re deftness
Your resourcefulness it’s there
Just one look from those tender eyes
Can wipe away despair

Can reinforce their true concerns
And be of service to
Those ailing and those needing
Your smile is all you do
Unyielding that’s your quality
A trial of strength maybe
On the winning side of life
With a partner who is key

Supportive and in his own way
On the same wavelength to
Pagans in the truest sense
Observant through and through
Mindful and approving
Well studied and aware
Tender hearts so vital
Where there’s anguish and despair