Weeks have passed by, since the beginning of the lockdown
Thoughts creep into my head, makes my isolated mind drown
There is no other way I know of, to describe this clampdown
In a poem I thought I could try, to take my thoughts to town
In the year twenty twenty, I was preparing to do many things
To visit different countries, spreading out my wings
On a safari with the children, seeing animals and their kings
Attending weddings in Australia, experiencing the excitement it brings
To give alms at Pimbura Temple, bringing back memories of the past
To make alms at Amarawathi, which is definitely a contrast
To ease my mind meditating, calming my mind at last
These are the things I was wanting to do, now they are all in the past
This Virus appeared from China, totally unknown to us
We were told at the start, not to make too much of a fuss
As time went on being at home, was going to be a plus
Enough is enough for most of us now, we’ve definitely missed the bus
We have not seen the children, and weeks have passed by
I visualise their little puppy, dancing in the garden with a sigh
I feel the emptiness without them, this is certainly not a lie
When I think of them a tear drop, falls from within my eye
Morning meditation, is a routine now we follow
Then a cup of tea, with something sweet to swallow
We listen to dhamma when possible, this sure makes us mellow
And do other chores inbetween, before we hit the pillow
A walk around the garden, my exercise is done
Watering the flower plants, is really quite fun
Keeping the lawn tidy, my mowing is second to none
Always put the dustbins out, in time for the garbage run
Birds are singing flying about, constantly in the air
Bees roam amongst the flowers, as the plants are never bare
Shadows of trees in the garden, they are all over here and there
This is the beauty in my garden, of which I was not aware
One day we had string hoppers, which I’ve never made before
When Thosai came with Potato Curry, I wanted more and more
Finding “Roast Paan” in the deep freezer, that was a point to score
Had it with “Polos” from the same shelf, was something not to ignore
We attend birthday parties, via the magnificient zoom
And listen to dhamma discussions, going on till noon
Via whatsapp we speak with loved ones, as if they were in the room
Things have changed and from now on, a new lifestyle will loom
Cannot go to see our friends now, we have to patiently wait
Groceries delivered to the house, something I always hate
The vehicles stopped along the driveways, that is the current state
I get an isolated feeling at times, thinking this is our fate
All journeys are stopped and nothing moves, there is no easy way of travelling
All planes are grounded and the airports are full, this thought is so hassling
The thought of when we could be homebound, is so very frustrating
If we get to fly before the year ends, that will be a miracle happening
The Sinhalese New Year dawned in April, amidst the lockdown
On the table in the kitchen the Kiribath we made, was carefully laid down
We prayed that all beings be strong and well, till Corona scales down
And then had a bit of Kiribath, according to the traditions around
To experience the festive season, like we would normally do
Didn’t cross our minds this time, as the calamity was so true
To worship our elders seeking forgiveness, something we always do
It was whatsapp that came to our rescue, in this instance too
Those dying daily are reported in numbers, without any love or care
The sorrow sinks into my heavy heart, when I really become aware
They are dearly loved by someone, it’s just that life is not fare
“Can this happen to us as well?”, that thought gives me a scare
In hospitals and care homes, which have always been their base
Working so hard and lovingly, giving their lives a second place
Wanting to thank all the staff involved, with an affectionate embrace
I join the weekly clapping, which comes from every corner and space
It seems that we have neglected, the environment so badly
It is apparently a decision taken by nature, we are told so sadly
Taking care of the environment, is a decision not to be taken lightly
My heart now tells me with a tickle, which I accept vey gladly
Udeni Premaratne
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