Looking out on a world of fear and an unknown future

Through the windows of gauze and lace

Curtains open enough for sunlight to play on the walls

But closed to keep out the pain and fear

Shapes of filigree moving slowly on a green wall

Outside the quiet calm room

the world moves on

relentless

Busy - no frenetic

uncaring for the individual

Concern for the masses

Time poor is the phrase most popular

Oblivious to what is happening

behind sheets of glass in secret windows

quiet boxes keeping secrets unknown safe

lives existing in the street but not shared

People waking

People dying

The last breath of life

The sounds of new life being born

Pain and ecstasy intermingled

Unknown actions

Unknown lives

hidden behind walls of brick and wood

Life in all forms exists and moves on

But never seen by the many

Little worlds of containment

Only open when needed

Closed to keep out the fear

Masked people coming and going frantically

Focused on insular existence

Worlds apart in many instances

Indifferent to the lives of others
 

neighbours only mere feet away

Routines for the many - strict and unfaltering

Clinical and clear

The distance between hearts widening

Aimless existence the norm for others

Nameless, shameless and lonely

Faces in the windows

Small faces

drawn faces

Young and old

Indifferent and vague

Expectations soon to be squashed

blank eyes in awe of the outside world

Looking out on a world yet to come

Afraid of the vastness of solitude

Dreams fading

Bigger than the hopes

Smaller than the reality encountered

Written 2020

Dr Geoff Wilmshurst spent 40 years as a professional teacher in disability education. He now spends his time travelling , writing and painting, and enjoying life with his wife Lorraine. He lives in the Blue Mountains in NSW, and finds inspiration for his work in its environment and that of similar places such as Tasmania and New Zealand. He hopes through art and poetry to connect with others, to make a positive difference in their lives, and to share the experience of what it means to be human and part of the natural world.