Recently I've been experimenting with some poem mottos that might help communicate safer behaviour, as part of a research group Paths for All are involved in, devising guidance and advice on how we can adapt to public transport and travel in the midst of a pandemic.
A poet isn't always good at expressing the clearest meanings, but they can sometimes find a phrase that is nuanced enough to suggest ways of behaving, without seeming judgemental – not that there aren't a lot of judgemental poets about these days!
Coronavirus has left me unable to walk more than 150m and the nearest bus stop to my house is 250m away, just around the corner from my road. This has meant that the daily world of commutes and trips feels distant, so these poems weren't easy to write from personal experience. Most came from reading articles on changes in behaviour and suggested guidance on how to help people adapt, without adding to the inevitable anxiety we all feel.
Many disabilities are hidden. And we all know that viruses are. That's why we have to look after one another.
See if you can compose some mottos yourself.
1.
keep a little distance
4.
1.
keep a little distance
as a kindness
2.
imagine there’s a walking
stick sized-gap between us
that will help us
3.
a wee bow to say hello
is kinder than sharing germs
4.
etiquette used to
mean a card
of reminders
for good manners
now it translates
as shared respect
5.
north or south
cover your nose
& mouth
east or west
staying at home
is best
6.
we’ve to do our best
it’s not a test
7.
cover your moth
open your ears
cover your nose
smile with your eyes
8.
take a step back
let the problem pass
9.
a tissue for
a-tishoo
10.
kindness given
will come back to us
11.
catch a cough
in the crook
of your elbow –
keep your hands
for other things
