CWU - The Line Anthology

During one of the earlier coronovirus lockdowns, I wrote a piece for the Communication Workers' Union (CWU) in response to their theme 'Together Apart'.

The poem I created was called 'Teaching Grandparents to Skype' and was a tongue-in-cheek recount of my experiences teaching my grandparents how to use their laptop to video-call us so that we could chat virtually 'face-to-face' in the long months we spent apart.

'Teaching Granparents to Skype' was later chosen to be featured in 'The Line' anthology. Initially, this anthology was going to have a prize allocated to commended poets but, in light of the hardships faced by many in the midst of the pandemic, the CWU donated the prize fund to regional food banks. The anthology was shared freely to CWU members to promote the organisation's creative writing projects.

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Teaching Grandparents to Skype

It starts with a phone call

to talk them through the steps,

which shouldn’t be hard at all,

if only they’d find their specs

The laptop’s on the table,

Okay, now switch it on

but it turns out they’re not able

to find the power button

Of all the things frustrating

(and trust me there’s a few)

now Windows is updating

and there’s that spinning wheel of blue

Finally it’s finished

and the home screen’s shining bright,

but interest has diminished,

let’s leave it for tonight.

Okay, it’s day two

now let’s get this done!

If only we knew

that it wasn’t to be the one…

It seems the laptop died

because the charger wasn’t connected

and I honestly could’ve cried,

they seemed so dejected

Right, and we’re back!

Third time’s a charm -

let’s give this another crack,

focus and stay calm

Remember what I said

about turning the laptop on -

yes, the power button’s red,

perfect, that’s the one!

Now right click,

no that’s left,

don’t worry about being quick -

there’s no need to be deft

Now scroll up,

no that’s down,

don’t worry about a hiccup -

there’s no need to frown

Now we’re making progress,

logged in and online

success after success,

I think we’re going to be fine

I’ve got a good feeling,

we’ve made it into Skype

we’ll manage it this evening,

I’m sure the time is ripe!

Let’s try and start the call,

now I’m feeling nervous,

what if it doesn’t work at all

and we tried this to no purpose?

I turn back to the task

and hear a cry of delight,

we’re face to face at last

(though it’s now late at night)

The wonder in their eyes

makes it all worthwhile,

it’s such a nice surprise

to properly see them smile

Brilliant! Fantastic!

They sit and exclaim,

we actually did it -

we can see you in the frame!

All’s well in the end

and they got quite a thrill,

they’ve already boasted to a friend

about their newfound skill!

I’m so glad we got it working

and had a heart-to-heart,

they call now every evening

and we can be together apart.

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