I wonder when
This is over
When normality, or whatever passes for normality returns,
Will we remember
To be kind
And will we think
About those we left behind.
Will we still care
About those who stood on the front line
Or will they be so easily forgotten
Will we pin medals on chests of the deserving
Who deserve so much more than a cold piece of metal
Will we recall those who stacked, and collected and cleaned
Or will we forget
Will the blameworthy escape blame
For inaction and actions that were both hopeless and pointless
Will we care
Will we say ‘I survived’ knowing that, inside, we really didn’t
I wonder if we will see the day
When hands are held up in apology
By those who could have, should have, didn’t
No enquiry necessary
To prolong agony
Yet the howling and baying crowd will demand it
Yet I wonder if
At days end
Any good will come of it
Of any of it
From any of us
Will it?
I wonder.
