If only it was a dream…..

If only it was a dream…..

Last night I had, the worst nightmare
It went on for weeks, Oh what a scare
I dreamt the world, had completely shut down
No clothes shopping, or visits to town
No going to the gym, or attending classes
We must stay home, just sat on our arse’s
Wake up! Wake up! I just wanted to scream,
Please, please stop, this weird scary dream!
For I’ve stuff to do, many places to go
I’ll be late for work, I’ll miss that great show
Must run to the chemist, pick up cotton wool
Buy a new mascara, is that wine bottle full?
Dive into butchers, buy some more meat,
Order those trainers, that are best for my feet,
Don’t forget the party, hey what should I wear?
Book in a blow-dry, and treatment for hair
Wizz to the garage, I’ve run out of fuel
Hang picture on wall, with that screwdriver tool
Book a nice holiday, where should I go?
Get cutting the lawn, and plant seeds to grow,
Go to the florist, order fresh flowers,
My day is too short, there aren’t enough hours!

Dash to supermarket, get general food,
Return that phone call, mustn’t be rude
Check out Facebook, Instagram too
Browse on-line shopping, check out what’s new,
Make dinner reservation, plus theatre tonight,
What d’you mean CLOSED? Surely that’s shite!
I’m having a nightmare, I’m hating this dream,
Where the world has shut down, how surreal does it seem
I Must be asleep, I just can’t wake up
My alarm’s just gone off!
And I’m tired, what bad luck!

For!
The day is short, and I’ve so much to do,
Quick soak in the bathtub, read magazine too
Put on the kettle, grab morning caffeine,
Find a chic outfit, that’s all smart and clean
Drop in for manicure, and eyebrow de-fuzz
have mini facial, the latest new buzz
Pilates at five, then a run to get fitter,
Tune-in on podcasts, catch up on twitter
Check all emails, plan that next meeting,
Do daily crossword, be honest, no cheating
Rush by the bank, withdraw extra cash,
Don’t forget present, for friends Birthday bash

But!
What is this News Flash, and stuff on TV
Life’s gonna be different, for you and for me!
We have to stay home now! We can’t go outside?
Because of a virus, from which one must hide
Lockdown our Country? We all have to stop,
Having drinks with best friends, going out for a bop.
Our P.M Boris says we must work from home!
Where Wi-fi is dodgy, and poor signal for phone!
But The Government insist, due to this viral infestation
That all of us Brits change our lifestyle situation.

So It’s!
Finish that jigsaw, paint that tired wall,
Do loads of exercise, with huge fitness ball,
Clear-out my wardrobe, tidy that shelf,
Learn to play solitaire, all by myself,
Do lots of cooking, bake loaves of bread,
Instead of the theatre, it’s Netflix instead,
Light candles at bath time, do yoga, relax,
Tick off to-do list, live life to the max.
Vacuum the house, scrub all the floors
Put photos in albums, and tidy those drawers,
Clean out the freezer, wash all my clothes,
Sit in the garden, it’s ok to doze!
Right that’s enough rest! There’s stuff to be done,
There just isn’t time, to sit on one’s bum,
Book on-line food shop, or go join the queue,
Sort out the larder, that’s just what I’ll do.
Tackle the ironing, there’s such a huge pile,
As I have to admit, its lingered a while,
Put-out the rubbish, finish that novel,
Get cleaning the windows, and tidy this hovel
How does one cope, there’s so many chores
Bloody hell it’s a workout, this idling indoors.
Make loads of phone calls, and whilst time’s on loan,
Just appreciate life, friends, family and home.

But!
If only I’d wake, and this was a dream
For life’s just so different, from the way it has been
How does one slow down, breathe and take stock?
Stop living in the fast lane, Wow! Such a shock!

Lesley Hawkins
1st April 2020