How To Remain Human This Year
We give a throwaway kiss
to strangers, to see New Year in.
We plant the seed with hope
it will grow, form fruit, to feed us.
We put a pound in the tin
or a direct debit for life.
We dispense sympathy, sandwiches,
tea, as we watch evening news.
We share purchases, the weekly shop,
a can of baked beans, or shower gel.
We give tips and advice about
saving fuel, rein our spending in.
We dig the Earth together,
grow a garden to be shared.
We hold out a hand, help out,
offer a free meal, warmth.
We smile, a knowing smile,
a wink – I see you – it says.
We give what we have, when we can,
walk streets together, one more time.
Gail Webb’s passion for poetry re-ignited later in life. Social justice, equality and community singing are close to her heart. A Welsh woman living in an English Wolds village, she has set up a local writers group, dives into Nottingham’s thriving poetry scene and runs Maggies Nottingham Creative Writing Group. Gail is published widely and her first pamphlet is “The Thrill Of Jumping In” pub Big White Shed, 2021.