Shuttered windows, peering eyes
Furtive glances, children's cries,
Broken spirits, sleepless nights,
Empty streets, lonely lights.

Where once lived the sounds of laughter
Lively cafes filled with bluster,
Muted echoes share the void,
Empty, sullen, unemployed.

Faces hidden, eyes averted
Buying food from streets deserted,
Needs dictating, thoughts repressed,
Purpose steering, fear suppressed.

All that matters, all that's clear
Keeping loved ones safe and near,
They're the reason, life's true light
Inner strength for this great fight.