(A Lament During Covid19)
Play me a happy tune,
With the quick, light notes of laughter;
For the notes of sadness
That fill the air are long
And deep
And hold my heart heavy
Like the soil on a grave.
There is no solace
In lonely tears.
We yearn
To hold tight and hug,
Share our pain,
Our loss of what we had;
What we thought was ours
Forever.
The world is sad
And angry.
An invader quick and cruel
Ripped into our heart.
Too small for our guns and bombs;
Cutting through our bodies,
Mauling our souls.
To win the fight,
We must unite;
Yet stand apart.
Scared and confused,
We turn the fight
Against each other.
Now the air is a heavy shroud
Of anger and sorrow.
The music of laughter is gone
And our souls trudge weary.
So, play me a happy tune.
Let my soul sing
And my feet dance once again
To the merry music
Of your laughter.
SEE OTHER POEMS BY SHARON HEANEY STANSFIELD