Lockdown - a poem by Poet Laureat Simon Armitage

 

Simon Armitage’s poem "Lockdown" was written in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. As Poet Laureate, Armitage captured the emotional atmosphere of this global crisis in a reflective and poignant way.

The poem begins by recalling the plague outbreak in Eyam, a village in Derbyshire, England, which self-isolated in 1665 to prevent the spread of the disease. This historical reference provides a metaphorical connection between past and present, suggesting resilience and sacrifice in the face of crisis.

Armitage also touches upon themes of isolation, anxiety, and the shared human experience of enduring uncertainty. He balances historical detail with contemporary relevance, using vivid imagery and lyrical phrasing. The poem serves as a meditation on the endurance of communities and individuals in times of hardship.

Here’s a brief excerpt from "Lockdown":

**"And I could no more stem the hours than waves / or children coming home on the cusp of time / whose spindrift souls are bending to the moon’s pull."**

This encapsulates the feeling of helplessness and time's relentless march, while drawing a natural, almost cosmic parallel to the human condition.