David in Pen and Pics

Before lockdown this end of our main street bustled with side by side stalls along the footpath. People step out onto the road to move along to the next chat spot. Which, even better, slows the traffic.

Saturday market, local produce and gossip.

An edible garden. Herbs and stuff. Planted and maintained by our local people. Good people.

Take, eat, and think of others.

Lots of them. Then I was told they are horse chestnuts.

Chestnuts are edible

I know a song about an old lady who swallowed a horse, so, edible

Horse chestnuts, edible? Or just for old ladies…

Alfred St, Thames

And the first time I have walked in this street

~ virus diaries

With the rest of NZ.

Dog walkers, a cheery shout, large and empty spaces. Neighbours from some distance away. Free to walk, day eight, lockdown and we’re all in this together.

Sunny day. Autumn closing in. Sunset 7.11pm. Temp now 13°.

Day five enclosed, among my books and pens,
The worm must have its way.
Bread, eggs and brocolli, our shopping, dropped by neighbours
Beside our door, a portal barred to friends.
“Take, eat, for thou. art frail and elderly.”

Our neighbours, friends, beyond
the viral spitting distance, ‘Herewith news’
We hear the silence of our little town,
Deserted. People home, Day five.

We read the colour of the news,
On Instagram, Facebook, messenger.
Have you ever heard of Zoom?

A cat against my leg. Fridge door
Plus ca change plus c’est la meme chose.

Neighbours did our shopping

I made the meal

(All day cooker)