Rebecca Patterson

I took time to notice

On the second day of lockdown,
during my allotted hour of exercise,
I noticed a bunch of fresh flowers 
on the doorstep of a house and thought, 
oh, how kind.

Every lockdown day as I walked, 
I saw those waiting flowers
gradually wilting in their kindness,
their fragile presence still bringing joy
to all who would take time to notice.

I took time to notice.
Their kindness did not go to waste.

On the 55th day of lockdown,
during my allotted hour of exercise,
I saw those flowers wilted and dead
in front of that house and thought,
thank you.

Rebecca is a South African living in London. She is an aspiring writer and a lover of nature and Yorkshire Tea.