Not All Bad News
By Jabo
@jaboUK (64354)
United Kingdom
April 5, 2020 9:01am CST
A wonderful thing's happening here
that's helping to calm people's fear
volunteers galore
will come to your door
giving aid and spreading good cheer.
They're carefully vetted of course
they're forming a powerful force
to help old and weak
and make things less bleak,
and thousands have joined in the cause.
To those who are frail or alone
confined in the walls of their home
they'll bring milk and bread
deliver their meds
or even just chat on the phone.
They'll leave the things by the front doors
no contact - they don't break the laws,
a godsend indeed
to all those in need
they earn our respect and applause.
Photo of my garden last year.
51 people like this
55 responses
@amitkokiladitya (171928)
• Agra, India
5 Apr 20
You garden really helped me to smile at present
6 people like this
@amitkokiladitya (171928)
• Agra, India
5 Apr 20
@jaboUK do you take care of it yourself
4 people like this
@arthurchappell (44998)
• Preston, England
5 Apr 20
terrific very relevant poem and a beautiful photo too
4 people like this
@LadyDuck (470745)
• Switzerland
6 Apr 20
@jaboUK You are lucky, we cannot, all those over 65 must call a volunteer and give the list of what they need. It's not something I like, I am healthy and I have always been self sufficient, they found a way to make me feel "old", it will pass.
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
5 Apr 20
Hi Anna - we can still go to the shop for essential items - I've been once in 10 days. I wore a mask and gloves and washed my clothing when I got home as well as washing myself thoroughly. While we are allowed to still go I will do so when necessary and let the volunteers help those who need it.
3 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23404)
• United Kingdom
5 Apr 20
Such a beautiful riot of colour and a lovely verse from you Janet. Keep well and keep safe!
4 people like this
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
5 Apr 20
Thanks Gary, I hope you are well too. I'm hoping I can get enough plants this year, obviously the nurseries are all closed. I saw an item on the TV saying that the growers will have to throw all their stock away - surely they could sell online?
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
5 Apr 20
Your garden has always brought me such great joy whenever you post a pic of it. Thank you.
We have people here that will go out and help those who cannot get out for themselves. They are a blessing.
3 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
7 Apr 20
@jaboUK our local Home Depot is having people use the curbside option for shopping. Many people are getting their needs for gardening supplies that way. They also are only letting a few people in the store at a time.
I am still not going to go to a store. I have seeds that I have collected and will start them soon.
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
8 Apr 20
@ElusiveButterfly All our shops are closed apart from food stores or those selling other vital supplies. Yesterday I ordered a lot of plants online - I don't normally like to do that as I have been disappointed with the quality previously.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (46831)
• India
5 Apr 20
That is wonderfully described! Yes, there are great things still intact !
3 people like this
@much2say (55318)
• Los Angeles, California
5 Apr 20
Wonderful poem - thank goodness for those volunteers! I hope you are doing well out there and that you are getting everything you need. We have told my parents to not go out in public at all . . . I am doing the shopping and drop off for them, but I make sure to never step into their house. I've always wished to walk through your beautiful garden . . . so colorful!!
3 people like this
@much2say (55318)
• Los Angeles, California
7 Apr 20
@jaboUK I'm glad your daughter is there for you . . . I hope your son is staying safe and well in Thailand! I know you are very self sufficient 
. We are doing as well as can be during this surreal time - hanging in there and prepping for the long haul. Please take care out there!! 
. We are doing as well as can be during this surreal time - hanging in there and prepping for the long haul. Please take care out there!! 2 people like this
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
5 Apr 20
I'm very well thanks SmilePie - my daughter is looking out for me - she brought me a few things yesterday. We sat in the garden about 5 metres apart! At least we were able to talk and she could see that I'm fine. Thankfully I can look after myself so don't need the services of these wonderful volunteers.
My son is stuck in Thailand, can't get home. He's not worried and nor am I - he's in the best place for him.
Hope you are well.
3 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (82582)
• United States
5 Apr 20
How many times I've wished to be able to enjoy a cup of tea with you in your garden
Thanks for the poem and beautiful picture. It's uplifting to see all those beautiful flowers
Thanks for the poem and beautiful picture. It's uplifting to see all those beautiful flowers3 people like this
. I hope I'll be able to get the plants to make it beautiful again this year.@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
30 Jul 20
@yesterdayis I am a member of alpoetry.com but I also put some on here sometimes.
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
5 Apr 20
We can do our own shopping if we're able, but we must only do so for essential items. Luckily I've no need of the volunteers myself, not yet anyway.
I saw on the TV that garden nurseries were facing ruin and having to throw their stock away - surely they could sell online? That's what I'll have to do for my plants - see if I can get any that way.
2 people like this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16748)
• China
6 Apr 20
Those are heart-warming things to do ! Epidemic has no mercy, but humans have, as we put it. Stay safe !
2 people like this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16748)
• China
7 Apr 20
@jaboUK Thank you ! On the whole, we have kept the virus in check.
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
8 Apr 20
@changjiangzhibin89 That's good to hear.
2 people like this
@GreatMartin (23672)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
9 Apr 20
I LOVE your garden!
I don't know if you have a website nextdoor.com like we do around the USA but this afternoon I went to that web page to tell my neighbors about what a day I had of people giving to me today--really touched me!
You know people aren't bad if given a chance! 
2 people like this
@Tampa_girl7 (50080)
• United States
8 Apr 20
It’s a beautiful thing to see people come together and help those in need.
2 people like this
