• About
  • Services
  • Advertise
  • Membership
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • Weather
  • Directory Login
  • COVID
Menu
  • About
  • Services
  • Advertise
  • Membership
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • Weather
  • Directory Login
  • COVID

Businesses offering Delivery and Click & Collect

  • WHAT’S ON
    • COVID-19 NEWS
    • Across Liverpool
    • Sefton
    • St George’s Hall
  • THINGS TO DO
  • OFFERS
  • ACCOMMODATION
  • JOBS
  • SHOP
  • READ
    • Matt Jacobson
    • News
    • Events
    • Sport
    • Food & Drink
    • Business
    • People
    • Blogs
    • Interviews
    • Reviews
    • Competitions
    • Things To Do
  • LISTEN
    • RADIO
    • PODCASTS
  • DIRECTORY
Menu
  • WHAT’S ON
    • COVID-19 NEWS
    • Across Liverpool
    • Sefton
    • St George’s Hall
  • THINGS TO DO
  • OFFERS
  • ACCOMMODATION
  • JOBS
  • SHOP
  • READ
    • Matt Jacobson
    • News
    • Events
    • Sport
    • Food & Drink
    • Business
    • People
    • Blogs
    • Interviews
    • Reviews
    • Competitions
    • Things To Do
  • LISTEN
    • RADIO
    • PODCASTS
  • DIRECTORY
Search
Close

Local Author, Matt Jacobson reflects on lockdown life and the beauty of the street

November 30, 2020

“All these streets can do, is claim to know the real you”

Over 20 houses with bold doorsteps and doors. Windows open with a seeping draft making blinds blink, but some are closed blindfolding the glass of the past and pains of the present. Roof slates wake from a night under enchanting starry skies as a wobbly Sky dish continues its nighttime nightmare by pointing anywhere but the sky.

Curtains slide open as the steely light reaches day. But some are closed as many resist temptations to dive into the day as the delightful sun begins to peek through the clouds. 

Bedrooms and bay windows, drainpipes and gutters. Empty tins by wheelie bins and the national newspapers thrown next to a grim gutter are not so gutsy now.  

Cars are parked on paved, pebbled or crushed rock driveways and sat outside unused garages waiting and wanting warmth and security inside. Some are parked away from the home to avoid ruining green and gorgeous gardens.

Soaring sheds tower over the garden fence as a black and white cat is pitched perfectly on the crumbling corner of a fragmented wall, glaring with envy at a white and black comfy cat that lies peacefully on the pretty green lawn. Both cats are torn between sleeping then eating food, or eating food then sleeping.  

Local Author, Matt Jacobson reflects on lockdown life and the beauty of the street
Matt Jacobson – Photograph by Michelle Marshall

As the wind whisks and whirls, the washing line elevates and spins like a skipping rope and tangles T shirts, blouses, torn jeans and trousers, inside out and upside down. Lampposts and telephone poles stand tall, monitoring movement below as a post box looks away but looks brilliantly bored.  

House proud parents chat as children are playing and laughing. Neighbours are eagerly discussing movie nights, bills to pay and finalising arrangements for a slap-up Sunday dinner; empathising with conviction over a cousin’s dietary restriction.

Odd numbered houses on that side and the even numbered houses on this side, but all of the numbers add up to ……. one street.

Matt Jacobson – Photograph by Michelle Marshall

The above observations returned after a long walk and a period of reflection which triggered off this timeline of activity. Days before, I had chatted with a friend outside a historic building in the city centre and I discussed writing about this building of beauty and grace. I travelled home and planned to commence writing this piece. However, on this walk I realised we also have beauty and grace all around us and not just located with other centrepieces in the city centre. 

It might be the ‘norm’ but normal life is still poetry. 

This knockabout world is being knocked about by pretty much everything and we are now placed in and around our homes. But I feel I am observing the beauty of the street with my head up and eyes wide open. Assessing the depth of surroundings and replacing the usual fixed eyes to the concrete floor and speed of movement controlled by a train timetable. 

Matt Jacobson – Photograph by Michelle Marshall

There is no scurrying but surveying; and no destination but preservation as the sweet sounds and needs of our precious and beloved animals can now be heard. As traffic noise reduces, the orchestra of cheeps, chirps and sliding whistles can be heard. This change of direction for us is a challenge and change for them too. 

But the street, at a glance, is now enhanced with style, substance, loyalty and bravery in abundance. Whether the street is crammed with people, cars, cafes and bars; or with shops, parks and landmarks – it is yours. And the pathways, walkways, alleyways are also, always yours. 

A street can home us, lead us and transport us along our very own journey and these very streets can forever remain within you. 

Play them up, don’t play them down, because the street….. loves you.

Matthew Jacobson

Author

Music Writer

Curator

READ MORE: Matt Jacobson: Could life ever be sane again?

Share on facebook
Share on google
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
PrevPrevious ARTICLECould life ever be sane again?
Next ArticleOn the release of her new single “Roots” Matt Jacobson interviews singer, Alissia LaureenNext

What's On

The best events across Liverpool brought to your screens!

Cream & Circus present Camelphat...

3 April

Creamfields 2021

26 August

Reminisce Festival 2021

11 September

David Gray White Ladder Tour

19 March

DMA'S - The Glow UK...

9 April

PAW Patrol Live! Race to...

10 July

Red Rum Club

17 April

Sonny Fodera Solotoko Tour

20 March

JLS ‘Beat Again’ UK &...

13 July

Rick Astley Greatest Hits Tour...

13 May

Stay in the loop

Stay up to date with all the latest news, articles, events and offers from across Liverpool!

We never share your information with anyone.

  • What’s On
  • Latest Offers
  • Things To Do
  • Jobs in Liverpool
  • Reads
  • Book Accommodation
  • Business Directory
Menu
  • What’s On
  • Latest Offers
  • Things To Do
  • Jobs in Liverpool
  • Reads
  • Book Accommodation
  • Business Directory
  • About Us
  • Services
  • Advertise With Us
  • Email Sign Up
  • Contact
  • COVID
Menu
  • About Us
  • Services
  • Advertise With Us
  • Email Sign Up
  • Contact
  • COVID

At Explore Liverpool we are all about bringing you everything the Liverpool City Region has to offer and more!

© 2020 Explore Liverpool

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Menu
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
SettingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Explore Liverpool With Us!

Enjoy a weekly round up of everything that's happening across Liverpool, and subscribe to regular updates on events and offers as well as staying up to date with all the news and happenings of the Liverpool City Region.