In early summer of 2021, I was able to walk on my own to the art gallery in Hastings and along the beach. That sounds like a real luxury to me now. In January 2025, I’ve re-found the poem and connected with the day’s work I did that day, concocting a show in my head. That show now exists as On The Beach which has toured extensively across England with over 50 performances in care homes, day centres and theatre venues. Co-incidentally I’ve done a similar day’s work today in an art gallery in London. The work on that show will be starting in March at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough. Also starting again will be our Chronically Creative Café, an online space where creative people living with chronic conditions can be together, hanging out, being or making as their energies dictate.

A Covid Moment by Rebecca Manson Jones

Stopping for a moment

a literal pause for breath

in a sun-drenched street

in that moment of afternoon quiet

a quiet smile

because a day’s work 

has been done

by the sea

and a job is waiting

back in London 

there is food in the fridge

and the man I love 

is happy