David M. Smith 

 Essex, UK

I am a retired academic who has often written poems and stories for my own enjoyment. Since early retirement I have begun publishing some of them and am thoroughly enjoying the experience. I live in rural Essex in the United Kingdom, have three children and three grandchildren.  

Poem written on 27th August 2020 

MOSTLY 

What am I missing? 

Grandchildren mostly, 

The ability to walk in the street, 

Greeting people when we meet. 

Every day things, mostly. 

A pint in the pub, maybe?  

That would be nice. 

Or a meal not cooked by me. 

Or feeling fancy free. 

Every day things, mostly. 

Will it ever end? 

It must but when? 

Not soon I fear, 

Perhaps next year? 

But what then? 

Who knows what is to come? 

A life locked in again? 

No chance to roam, 

Stuck in at home 

Every day, mostly.