I was inspired to write this poem on behalf of BMS after recognising the immense efforts of the NHS, who during this difficult time, have worked laboriously to protect our nation from the deadly wrath of the coronavirus. I have therefore dedicated this poem to those fighting at the frontline. As a student, although I am unable to physically help those who are suffering, I am able to raise awareness and bring to light the stories and struggles of the NHS workers who are working diligently during these unprecedented times. So, this poem is a token of our appreciation and a reflection of our gratitude to those fighting on the frontline. I have also intertwined an Islamic perspective of the pandemic to show how a Muslim should view it and the lessons that we can all take away. One of the most significant, I feel, is how we can clearly see that, although we as human beings feel powerful and superior at times, ultimately, we are left relying only onto Him, the Almighty.

Social distancing, self-isolation,

complaining at being torn away from social circles and close company,

wondering when lockdown can be lifted,

not understanding the importance of the placed restrictions.

Ignorant, unaware, unmindful,

of the burden added,

of the extra hours added to tormented frontline workers,

of the endangering of lives,

of those who strive to help those grasping to survive.

During this time of hardship and difficulty

where we are reliant on the NHS body

it has become more of a mantra, an impetuous saying:

‘Be grateful and appreciative of the NHS’

Whom are now viewed more than ever

Like a company, a mere machine,

whose purpose is to treat periled patients and if unable,

have deemed to have failed.

What selfish, inconsiderate thinking!

For what we fail to see

is the immense magnitude of the sacrifice made

and their service to their nation underplayed.

What we don’t see is

the overworked mother arriving late home from work.

Fatigued, weary, tiptoeing slowly

not wanting to wake her baby boy

who lately, too, too hasn’t slept soundly

ever since she’s had to work so many hours.

He sits up in his crib delighted at seeing his mother.

And what we don’t hear is

the joyous laughs turning into loud cries

as his mother walks away

unable to cuddle her child as she usually does

no kiss, no cuddle

instead the weight of the strain floods.

Tears streaming down her face,

not only from the exhaustion and enervation,

but at seeing the distress of her work life

seeping into the safety of their home.

And what we don’t see is the anxiety in their faces,

behind their face masks and strong facades

they, too , are afraid at fighting on the frontline

only able to put their trust and seek sanctuary in the divine.

Defending humanity against a deathly assailant

known so simply as the corona virus.

Unable to be seen by the strongest of microscopes

yet is wiping out, dissevering nations alone.

Known for its silent attacks leaving fatal wounds.

Retired doctors return to fight in this proceeding battle

that of which leaves them so unsettled

claiming that they’ve ‘never seen anything like it before’

never in all their years such massacres, unable to ignore.

Figures splashed so glamorously on front pages of tabloids

of deaths of those so dear who passed fighting on the frontline.

Failing to understand that they are those

who sacrificed their lives for ours.

But I honestly can’t help but think

that within this unusual time

when the world has been put on a pause

and we are left powerless, trapped indoors

left defeated by a virus so small

that there is a higher might, within this all

showing us through all this our flaws

and we are left vulnerable holding only onto him

and his mercy, the only one left to call within this calamity.

And the ‘Ar – Raheem’ and the ‘Al – Muhaymin’

is sufficient for us, showering us with his blessings

and the biggest of them all the NHS.

So we say ‘shukran ya rabb’ for bestowing them upon us

and make dua to the All – Mighty to shower them with blessings

and reward them for their efforts and hard works.

For really we are appreciative and grateful for the NHS.

By Shamla Muhammadh