Covid: A child’s view

A year five pupil at Newhey Primary School has produced a thought-provoking poem about a child’s view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As part of a home learning task, Jessica Gerrard, aged 10, was asked to write a poem about anything she wanted and was to include the starting line, "I opened the magical door and saw..."

Aware of the impact of the pandemic – having followed government guidelines, clapped for carers and spoken to loved ones via Zoom – Jessica penned a five stanza poem about the current situation, entitled 'Covid: a Child's View', closing with hope for the future:

---

I opened the magical door and saw…

A lot of empty places:

The parks, bleeding for customers,

The schools, crying for children.

 

I opened the magical door and saw…

Lots of regret:

Mean words said, that can’t be taken back,

Now, it’s too late.

 

I opened the magical door and saw…

Blue flashing lights:

People clapping, with tears in their eyes,

Unable to hug or say goodbye.

 

I opened the magical door and saw…

Sadness and worry taking over:

People dressed in black,

Will the worry ever disappear?

 

I opened the magical door and saw…

Scientists working like busy bees:

A life changing miracle, ready to deliver,

Our normal is so very near.

---

Her dad, Ben Gerrard, said: “Jess has been very aware of the impact that the pandemic has had, particularly in our locality.

“She has been very good following the government guidelines all year, has joined in clapping for the NHS with family and although she has missed physically being with them, she has spoken to her friends and grandparents online via Zoom and so, she felt confident basing her poem on coronavirus.”

When lockdown ends, Jessica is looking forward to spending time in person with her grandparents and friends as well as going to the the Trafford Centre.

Ben added: “Jess cannot wait to spend some proper time with her grandparents and friends when lockdown ends. She is also looking forward to going back to the Trafford Centre on a big shopping trip, going to the cinema and eating in at Pizza Hut.”

Jessica’s favourite subjects at school are art, PE, and English, and she would like to become a clothes designer when she is older.

Jessica’s teacher, Joanne Gray, said: “Jessica produced an amazing piece of work during these difficult times of remote learning. When asked to produce a poem based on the idea of opening a door, she produced this fantastic poem based on the current situation, titled simply 'Covid: A Child's View'.

“It truly is beautiful.”