In the first months of 2020, the world came to terms with a virus that threatened life and society. Extraordinary measures were taken, the like of which we had not seen before. Airlines ground to a halt as international travel was stopped. Most countries were forced to institute draconian steps that had all but essential workers confined to home in what became known as 'lockdown'. For those who already carried the burden of health issues, extra care had to be taken to avoid coming into contact with anyone who might carry the virus.

Those that could, worked from home. Many of those who could not work, were furloughed. The internet, and particularly video conferencing, took on a new dimension. Children were home-schooled. 'Zoom' entered our daily lexicon. Among the myriad ways that people demonstrated their creativity, some turned to crafts, gardening, painting, sculpting, dance, singing... Some took up writing and one posted poems on the gate post.

"Olivia Mulligan has done a great job of turning isolation into art; here are poems that speak to us all about how the everyday can be transformed by heightened language, and that a kind of transcendence can happen if we just stare hard enough at real life."
Ian McMillan - Poet, Writer, TV and Radio Presenter

"Olivia captures life in lockdown beautifully. These verses are full to the brim with kindness, heart and just the right amount of absurdity."
Harry Whittaker - BBC Radio York,
Co-Author of The Guardian Angels Series