It’s Mothers’ Day
but it feels weird –
I’m not visiting
my own mother
and although I’m lucky enough
to have received a card
from my son, Fiachra,
who lives with us,
I’ve had to ask our two girls
not to visit me.
We’re all trying hard
not to spread Coronavius,
you see.

This doesn’t feel
like a celebration –
it feels like a day
tinged with fear.

But children are resourceful!

WhatsApp messages
ping onto my mobile phone
early in the morning.
And up the street
I see a two metre Mothers’ Day visit
taking place –
with the mother standing
at the front door
while her daughter and grandchild
sit on kitchen chairs
just over two metres away.

After lunch
I receive a similar visit
from my daughter, Aoife
and her husband, Lucas –
a two metre exchange
of greetings, news
and smiles.

Finally,
we visit our daughter Niamh
at her student house
where Niamh stands at the door
while we stand out in the street
two metres away
chatting happily.

Such unusual and happy
wee family gatherings
this Mothers’ Day –
thank you, Lord!

(c) Claire Murray