Already with this coronavirus pandemic, many of us are holding meetings by video conference, telephone, email – and I even know of one meeting held through the open window of a car. This poem catches that spirit:
Mercury
This conference – by videophones –
would stop Marco Polo in his tracks,
take the wind out of Columbus’ sails,
and has messed up meal times
in five separate time zones.
Dinner in Shanghai
but breakfast on Wall Street.
Luncheon in London’s City
and in Frankfurt am Main.
Tea in Mumbai.
Listen! … so what do you think?
There it is again:
the delicate sound of a glass
on a glass – a clink,
a disembodied clink!
© John Looker 2015.
This poem was published in The Human Hive (Bennison Books, 2015). You can read a selection of poems from the book on a dedicated page of my blog at
https://johnlooker.wordpress.com/extracts
Poetry from John Looker 
One of my favourites from this remarkable book, and how prescient.
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By: hilarycustancegreen on 25 March, 2020
at 11:36
Thank you Hilary – that is most kind!
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By: John Looker on 25 March, 2020
at 13:16
I like this very much, John. Here I am in lockdown. Clink!
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By: Bruce Goodman on 25 March, 2020
at 15:40
We too of up here Bruce, so clink! 🙃
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By: John Looker on 25 March, 2020
at 15:45
Both well-written and a very fitting piece for the times – both my work life and personal life are now relegated to texts, emails, and Zoom meetings (true of so many, I’m sure). Wishing you well, John!
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By: ebbtide on 25 March, 2020
at 15:42
Thank you Sarah – and you! 😊
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By: John Looker on 25 March, 2020
at 15:47
Hi John,
‘Mercury’ is a poem for today certainly!
With coronavirus on the rampage, we’re pretty much in lockdown here in the UK too. My partner Maureen and I live on the side of Halkyn Mountain in Wales. Spring has arrived with gorgeous birdsong and sunny views over the Dee Estuary below. Yet, with hardly anyone about, a weird atmosphere prevails. An atmosphere akin to that of a disaster movie!
Every news programme brings fresh horrors. But staying positive and keeping our spirits up, are psychological imperatives. Reading your poem, I chuckle!
Keep safe, stay healthy,
Paul
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By: Paul Beech on 26 March, 2020
at 08:47
John, I must have had a “senior moment” there, forgetting you are UK based yourself – sorry! Paul
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By: Paul Beech on 26 March, 2020
at 19:38
No need Paul! We are citizens of the internet 😊
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By: John Looker on 26 March, 2020
at 20:58