Lockdown paintings and poems
Joy Richardson
Paintings created by Joy during lockdown
(all in water mixable oils)
Grandchildren
Our three grandchildren are in Australia. We missed our trip to see them in March, and their planned visit to the UK in June. Painting the children from photographs has kept them closely in mind.
Keeping in touch from a distance
I joined in Australian home schooling, from 10,500 miles away, timetabling ‘Learn with Nanna’ sessions and bedtime stories. We exchanged drawings, and I made these sketches from screenshots.
Harston circular walk
Like many people, I have walked the circuit through the fields from Button End and back along the A10. I was captivated by this April view of trees feathering into green while the oil seed rape blazed golden.
Community Orchard
During lockdown, but permitted exercise, we were so fortunate to have walks and open spaces on our doorstep. Walking along the Drift and over to the Community Orchard, I saw daily changes with the blossoming of spring.
On the way to Foxton
I dusted down an old bicycle and took to the roads and cycle paths. On the way to Foxton, I stopped to take in the poppy-dotted fields.
River Rhee
Crossing the bridge on the Haslingfield Road (a kindly cyclist having helped me when the chain fell off my bicycle – again), I stopped to see the gentle flow of the River Rhee, with elderflower studding it banks.
On Rowley’s Hill
Skylarks were singing as I walked up Rowley’s Hill. Surrounded by sweeping views of Cambridgeshire and with blue flax flowers at my feet, I looked out over Harston which was largely hidden amongst the trees.
Staying home
Apart from going out for walks and cycle rides, we went nowhere for six weeks or more. Our garden flourished, and our home became our cocoon, and the base for our virtual life.
Joining a poetry group
To keep my brain exercised during Lockdown I joined a Poetry by Heart group, choosing a poem each week to learn and present to the others on Zoom. I came across this poem from the Ledbury Poetry Festival which memorably captures the wide diversity of Lockdown experience. I worked out which boat I’ve been on. How about you?
The Same Boat by Julie Sheldon
‘We’re all in the same boat’ they say
But I would disagree
So many different sailing crafts
Upon this stormy sea
Some sail on ocean liners
In comfort, style and ease
Relaxing on their balconies
….Sipping their G & Ts
Some speed along in motor boats
As if it’s all ok ….
With little care for smaller crafts
Which may get in their way
Some struggle on their battleships
Where nothing’s going right
Endlessly preparing ….
For the next relentless fight
Some huddle in their lifeboats
And pray that they’ll be saved
Hoping for a calmer sea …
And fearing every wave
Some drift around upon their rafts …
They barely stay afloat
They’re praying for a change of luck …
And chance to board a boat
Some haven’t found their sea legs yet …
And dread each wave and swell
They’re struggling to stay upright
And don’t feel very well
So whilst you’re on your journey
To a safe and calmer port
Look out for fellow sailors
Who may need some support
Could you throw them a life belt?
Or a paddle or an oar?
Perhaps you could help guide them
A bit nearer to the shore
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