A WRITER who challenged herself to create a poem every day during the lockdown has published a selection of them in an anthology entitled ‘At Peace’ to raise funds for St Basil’s.
Judith Rowe, who is 75, was self-isolating with her husband David, 76, used to write – mainly humorous – poems for family, friends and special occasions but had not picked up her pen in years.
Needing something to do during the pandemic she set herself the task and before she knew it she was writing a variety of works – some emotional, some funny.
As well as the Coronavirus and the lockdown, they cover a number of other subjects and events which took place in the 12 weeks between March and May.
They include VE Day 75, Captain Tom’s record-breaking sponsored walk, Easter, struggling with Zoom and other video calling apps and the messages conveyed by the Government and Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
She said: “When people read them – particularly those of our age – they all said they reflected how they felt too.
“One day you would wake up feeling positive, then the next day you would get upset.
“I’m quite a religious person and there are some religious poems in there – the pandemic has tested my faith and others have said the same.”
Judith’s daughter suggested she do something with the poems so she sent them to a publisher with a view to giving any cash generated to St Basil’s – a charity she has supported all her life.
She went through them and chose a selection before sending them off, along with photographs of her family members, who she has dedicated the book to.
Judith said: “I originally wanted to get it published so my family and friends could look back in the future and remember what a year 2020 was.
“But after seeing the interest it was then I thought I might as well raise some funds for St Basil’s if I could.”
So far more than £260 has been collected for the cause from the book sales and, with more on order, she is hoping to raise as much money as possible.
To get a copy of the book call Judith on 07717 335591.
