Our Square
By: Fiona Dean
About The Poem
This poem was inspired by the William Morris love poem “Our hands have met”, however rather than a love poem it’s about our strong community in Waltham Forest and the fellowship of meeting hands. It takes us on a journey from meeting in a round ( a group together) to meeting in a square, (the new Fellowship Square).
Then not touching at all, but alone in hospital , touch is only through latex gloves, with an invisible smile hidden behind masks. “No capes here” refers to the language sometimes used of superheroes for medical staff. I felt this was far too superficial for such a horrendous time with relentless hard work and dedication. They weren’t and aren’t superheroes but hugely brave, hard working, dedicated professionals.
I was inspired by cycling along the River Lea and wetlands in lockdown for the verses that talk of recovery and safety like the little egret that was once hunted almost to extinction for its white feathers for hats. Its now one of the success stories of the wetlands.
And full circle we go back again to the square, to fellowship and being together.
The Poem
our hands have met
not as a lovers
but they have touched
and entwined
together
with fleeting contact
they clasped
a round,
in a square
but alone now
wringing together
except a latex touch
an invisible smile
no super capes here
just
just?
unfathomable
relentless
tender care
the light changes
we emerge
tentatively
a more confident touch
trailing through
diamond sparkling
sun touched
our Lea
across our wetlands,
safer now like
the little egret
with plumes of white
we are strong
together
our hands meet
all our hands
meet
once again
in fellowship
In a round
In a square
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