Mike Bourton – illustratör

The Covid-19 virus outbreak of 2020 will forever be a pivotal part of human history. The impact was global and affected everyone on the planet. Here, in the UK, we managed the coronavirus in similar ways to other countries but also with a degree of Britishness that has defined us for centuries. Not that it was all good and it raised many issues about our culture and values.Hundreds of thousands caught the virus and many thousands died. The impact on the nation, on families and our very own NHS was palpable and at times, almost too much to bear.A Facebook group in Marlow was set up to help people, to communicate and provide support to anyone that might need it. It became incredibly important for many and it was here that Mike started writing 'The Virus Poems'. The journey began and ended sixty seven days later on the 31st May 2020.When you read just one poem it might touch you or amuse you. It is when you consider every subject that, without knowing, this has become a walk through our time in 'Lockdown' as this period will be forever known.We have also included alongside every poem an extract of the news headlines of the day to help you put the poems into some context.