Poems by Beryl Edmonds

Have you seen the doctors who hardly get to sleep?
From sad weary eyes, silent tears they weep.
They're battling to save hundreds of lives,
Yet see so many dying right before their eyes.

Have you seen the nurses, tired and worn,
Just come from doing many hours on the wards?
Have you seen them out, walking on lonely streets
Searching empty shelves, for nourishing food to eat?

Have you seen domestics, putting safety first
Keeping hospitals clean, fighting off the germs?
Bravely they go into infectious wards,
Never thinking of themselves, no not at all.

Have you seen the porters, down on their heels,
Walking many miles, pushing many wheels?
We must respect this valued band of women and men.
Though they go unnoticed, we can't do without them.

Have you seen the caterers, keeping all folk fed?
The staff and the patients lying in their beds.
Such an important part to play in someone's health,
A role that couldn't be compared to any amount of wealth.

A great big thank to all National Health Staff
To every volunteer coming forward like they have.
You all have a part of our hearts, are in every prayer we make.
May God bless you all, keeping you well and safe.

God will paint rainbows in the sky
Once again for the world and I.
Signs that will tell us all is well,
Freedom from this grim living hell.

I know one day the sun will shine.
Dark clouds above will disappear with time.
Some won't make the journey home.
Some will sadly die all alone.

But just like time, all things will pass,
For nothing's ever made to last.
Then once again we'll be on our way
When dawn awakes to a bright new day.

The streets will come alive again.
Shops will open, buzzing again.
But the best moments will be when
Family and friends meet again.