Swipe, swipe

May 18

By Danielle Gardner

Swipe, swipe; My mop moves from side to side
I contemplate my to do list and flick my eyes towards the time
8.15pm on a Friday evening
My new going out now revolves around cleaning
The office is quiet, a sense of calm
I move towards the tables to start the clean down
A personal touch in each area, an insight into who sits there
Family pictures, novelty pens, an orthopaedic cushion on a chair
I spray and wipe the shield of plastic surrounding each desk
Ensuring I am thorough as this is now more, than just a task
This means someone can return home at night, to debate who cooks the tea
It means that the holiday plans with friends will become a reality
It means I can return home tonight, to my loving and cherished space
Knowing that I’ve played a part in keeping somebody safe.

Swipe, Swipe; The wipers oscillate, aiding to my mission
The sat nav dings and announces “you’ve reached your destination”
The rain begins to fall heavily and for a moment I wonder why
Why I’m stood out in the rain, when I could be at home warm and dry
I place the parcels at the door, knock and wait some time
Frustration starts to seep in and then I hear a faint cry
The cry becomes louder as it reaches the door
A red-eyed woman answers, in her arms, a wailing baby boy
She apologised for the delay as she is learning something new
Single parenthood and no support bubble to help guide her through
I pass over the parcels - nappies, blankets and formula
Understanding that this will help to make her situation easier
She thanked me for my assistance, and gave a tired but genuine smile
I wished her well and to stay safe in these uncertain times
I’m the man in the van, the man in the mask delivering items door to door
To help ease a bit of pressure for those who feel the struggle more

Swipe, Swipe; I wipe my fingers under my eyes
Take a deep breath and count to five
I provide support to my colleagues, and compassion to the patients
But I feel as though I have no control within my occupation
Walking through the ward is like swimming against a tide of emotion
The covid shadow looming, another soul broken
I put on my mask, my shield, wash my hands for the battle ahead
I’m armed with latex gloves, sanitiser, and a locker full of banana bread
My colleagues smile when they see me, relieved to know that extra help is here
The love swells in my heart, it eliminates the fear
With the support we’ve received from the nation, I cannot express how
That a simple applause has picked us up when we were feeling down
We are the soldiers at the forefront of this stormy weather
And I know that we can get through this, if we are doing it together.