Corona Loves to Party – by Ed Devery

CORONA LOVES TO PARTY – by Ed Devery

 

We all love to party, that great get away 

All fears and worries vanish, fun all the way 

 

I had reason to celebrate, Ramona came into my life 

The start of a real love affair, future husband and wife 

 

New Year’s Eve 2019, ideal time to party together 

And welcome in 2020, New beginnings for each other 

 

Our feelings so strong and sincere, nothing to tear us apart

We just couldn’t wait for 2020, countdown to start 

 

The hotel was just right, all in festive mood 

Enjoying the merry music and drinks, and delicious food 

 

As midnight was approaching, 2020 not far behind 

Ramona and I anticipating, great plans in mind

 

But then to our great surprise, a stranger suddenly appeared

Sitting at our table and talking, this was weird 

 

We didn’t invite anybody, just Ramona and myself 

A table for two and now for three, strange in itself 

 

We asked her for her name, never seen her before 

My name is Corona, she said, party lover to the core

 

We reluctantly accepted her company, doubt still remained 

A stranger unwelcome and uninvited, not easy comprehend 

 

It then became remarkable, all of her time was for me

She ignored Ramona completely, as if a nobody

 

After being distracted for some time, I turned to Ramona 

To discover that she wasn’t there, now just myself and Corona 

 

Shock and horror gripped me, Ramona nowhere in sight 

She was gone forever, hopes and dreams ended that night 

 

I felt so unwell and out of sorts, like a spell cast from Corona 

The sad end to a beautiful relationship, between myself and Ramona 

 

I now discover that we didn’t WASH OUR HANDS, KEEP A SOCIAL DISTANCE, or WEAR A MASK that night 

And left an open invitation for Corona to come along, take over, and blow a beautiful relationship out of sight 

 

This poem is encouraging the reader, maybe, to look at the Coronavirus outbreak during 2020 in a more light-hearted way. But I’m not fully convinced that I have succeeded in doing so…..

I am conscious also that this ugly virus, unfortunately, has affected so many people in so many dreadful ways. This is very regrettable. However, if we all wash our hands, keep a social distance and wear a mask, this virus can be defeated. Be aware that WE ALL HAVE THE POWER WITHIN US to take control of it and that WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER, hopefully…..

Ed

 

World Schizophrenia Day 2021

Today is World Schizophrenia Awareness Day 2021.
The theme this year is “Discover better mental health”. The purpose of this day is to spread awareness about schizophrenia and eradicate the myths and stigma around schizophrenia and psychosis.
Today, our message is one of hope. If you or a loved one have received a diagnosis of schizophrenia, know that it can be successfully managed with the right supports and the earlier it is detected and treated, the better the chance of recovery.

The love and support of family and friends plays an important role in schizophrenia recovery. We have groups for both people with lived experience of schizophrenia and for families/ relatives/ friends supporting a loved one living with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. (New online groups for the summer months will be announced shortly.)

If you or a loved one would like more information and support around a schizophrenia diagnosis, read more on our website or contact our Information and Support Officer in your region.  

 

Lived Experience

It is so important that we hear the voices of those with lived experience of a diagnosis of schizophrenia to help to create awareness, educate and reduce the stigma associated with enduring mental health difficulties.

On World Schizophrenia Day, Emma Grattan shares her experience of living with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. You can read Emma’s story here.
Lyanne also shares her story of living with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and how her friends, dancing, her dogs and the support she receives from Shine is a major part of her recovery. You can watch Lyanne’s story here.