Empty?
Social distancing, self isolation, lockdown. Phrases that weren't in our daily language only a month ago and yet in such a short time our lives have changed so much. Isolating to protect ourselves. Nipping around to the corner shop for milk used to seem so mundane, now a worry, dangerous even. We cross the road to avoid passing close to other people, fearful glances shared. Strange times.
But here in Tollesbury I've seen a change. People waving and saying thanks when you do cross the road, knowing that you are protecting them as much as yourself. Rainbows appearing in so many windows and at least a little of the jovial spirit still to be found as we tentatively dance around each other in the corner shop.
My commute is shortened to a brief trip from the kitchen to my study. I miss my daily journey through the Chelmer valley but I remember the last day before social distancing in the city. Empty, lifeless.
It's empty out here too, on the marshes, on the river. Cold north easterly winds biting still, the vast expanse of our eastern sky glowing in air that is unusually clear, quiet with so little human activity, still, a world at peace. But this place is far from lifeless. Overwintering flocks of geese, sea birds soaring, small waders picking their way through rich feeding grounds, Avocets who call this place home now. Such vibrancy, such energy. I count my blessings daily that I get to be isolated here.
