Dear LPG,

I hope that by the time you read this message, most LPG readers will have had at least one of the two vaccinations needed to make existence beyond the front door a more tangible dream.

I am guessing that for those who took getting out and about for granted pre 2020, it feels as if we have been locked up forever. I am writing in late January and the news is full of the fact that the covid-19 statistics are worse than they were even during the first wave last April at the moment.  It is no wonder that, nearly all my friends are going nowhere if their children are not there to take them in a car, even if they can manage a walk to the local shops.

Having talked to some of my friends, it seems that those who get the vaccinations either got a text or letter or, like me, have been visiting the hospital for another reason are offered the jab, and after hearing on the news that the second injection is now being postponed to make sure that as many people as possible get the first, I feel quite fortunate to have already had the two.

I know I still have to wait a few weeks but the fact that I have been jabbed twice already, and am that much closer to being able to pass through the front door with confidence, inspired my pen to wax lyrical…

WALKING THERE AND BACK.

The regular perambulations
take an irregular route.
In spring and summer I wear sun glasses;
In autumn and winter, the sun rests,
So it’s coat, gloves, hat.
Always collect the door key.
Pat pockets for cash or wallet.
One walk allowed –  for mental health.
My start-time is obscure like the distance.
The spirit is lifted, returning home.
Now there is a perennial quest
never to cover the identical route.
Out up, back down; the deciding factor
adds to the daily pleasure.

FM