Bland On Bland – Family

The theme for this week’s JVG Radio Method poem is “Family“.

And that as they say is your lot. The final one for 2020.

Who could have known how prophetic that first poem for 2020 would be.

There are still some poems missing from the 2020 archive and I will get them uploaded over the break.

See you all in 2021 (it has to be better… right?)

Ed Bates provided the music backing and seasonal sleigh bells. Thatch provided the audio production, have a listen to how it went below…

To play this poem directly in your browser – just click the “play” button below:

Family

Our first Covid Christmas, and it feels somewhat strange
It proves beyond doubt how quickly things change

One minute you’re housebound, avoiding disaster
Or scouring the aisles for the last bag of pasta

As freedoms return, though each day dawns brighter
Repercussions continue and pockets are lighter

While infections have fallen not so the stress
And will, despite Christmas, rise nonetheless

It spawns a new plague; domestic abuse
Grievance no reason; stress no excuse

Emotions, heightened can be hard to resist
True strength is born from restraint, not a fist

Take a break from the pressures that pull us apart
The wallet’s in lockdown, not so the heart

Think of those far worse off, those we have crossed
Think of those who are hurting and those we have lost

Forget presents, banquets, grudges and weather
None can compete with family, together

So put down your ipads, tell twitter to stick it
Get the family together and play backyard cricket

And if Grandad finds chewing too big a task
Just quietly remind him to take off his mask

Remember some of life’s pleasures can still be afforded
Thanks to the toilet rolls you bastards have hoarded

© Copyright 2020 Ian Bland

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Also have a listen to “Everything or Nothing”