Michael Rosen - Many Different Kinds of Love

Words from Michael Rosen:
"In March 2020, I got Covid. My condition dipped and I was put into an induced coma for 40 days. By the time I got home after 3 months in hospital, I was weak and confused. I started to write poems to help me get a handle on what had happened and what was happening day by day now that I was out. I also had a diary that the nurses wrote for me while I was unconscious. This film is the chain of poems, nurses' letters and my wife Emma's emails to the family. I can see now that it's a map of what we all went through in that time: patients, doctors, nurses, families and the attitudes that emerged in that historic moment ."
This film has been supported by Apples and Snakes as part of our 40th anniversary. Apples and Snakes has been lucky to work with Michael Rosen since the 1980’s and are delighted to support the making of this film, an emotional exploration of Michael’s experience and example of the poets’ unique ability to capture and comment on the world around us.
Written and Performed by Michael Rosen
Cinematography and Editing: Matthew Dove
Producer: Lisa Mead (Apples and Snakes)
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Apples and Snakes are England's leading spoken word organisation. We exist to champion poets and poetry in performance, amplify unheard voices and challenge expectations of what poetry is and can be.

[@deirdremacdougall8415]

Oh my crying ...speechless .. wow

[@phyllishyde]

I was a student nurse in the 1970s and later an English teacher until I retired. So these words speak to me on many levels. Those diary entries and memories have turned out to be incredibly powerful. Thank you, Michael Rosen, for saving and sharing them. As others have said, this affirms how much we need to fight for our NHS but also understand the purposes of literature. It reminds us that we should appreciate and value our brains and our bodies, while we're still alive to do so.

[@jake6379]

I genuinely have a deep love for this man. His books and writings over the years have had a deep comfort, and I am so glad he made it through to this point. Without his survival we wouldn't have this record, which is brilliantly presented. The folk of the NHS who made this possible are truly.the best of us. Long live Rosen. Long live the NHS.

[@kirstinhiggins8548]

As a retired nurse this moved me to tears. The beautiful dedication of all the staff who brough Mick back from the brink of death so kindly. It breaks my heart that this Government do not care about the NHS and value it's staff. Even after Boris Johnson was admitted to ICU with COVID 19 virus himself! 😢😢😢

[@michaelrosen5422]

Thanks.

[@TrixieLaHume]

We care. We value you. Keep fighting. You got this.

[@annaspringbear]

I too was in tears very quickly. The careful kindnesses of the medical workers are so moving. Thank you for your work.

[@judylawson5350]

It's brilliant how every word counts conjuring vividly what he is describing.

[@cathyfrank5714]

Oh wow! I watched with tears in my eyes and/or a smile for much of this, shed the tears at times and had at least one belly laugh (Daily Mail), Thank you for writing and delivering this, Michael. I am so glad you came through this to enrich our and our kids' lives further, but I am left feeling incensed by how easily the dedication of those who cared for you is brushed aside by those who govern.

[@michaelrosen5422]

Thanks very much.

[@seanlockwood1092]

I don't think i ever read his books as a child, but I fucking love this man. Michael Rosen is a truly beautiful individual. May he fight on forever! X

[@nikkihalliday9740]

Soul grating. My daughter is a doctor in ICU, every member of their team is incredible. Thank you for sharing this.

[@docdapper]

I will never stop being dumbfounded at how much this man inspires me. I’m beyond glad he recovered, and I wish him the best of health for years to come

[@electriclandlady1]

we have to fight all the way for our NHS we really do

[@laura.bseyoga]

I remember feeling really emotional when I heard about Mr Rosen being taken ill & put into a coma. Many years ago I taught at a primary school in Tottenham & he visited a local theatre - all the schools in the area attended (hundreds of children) & you could have heard a pin drop during Mr Rosen's performance of his poems. Years later, many of the children I took on that trip would still talk about it with excitement. And I never taught an Early Years class who didn't love watching your Bear Hunt video 💚✊

[@karenscott4052]

Exquisitely tender and touching. I'm grateful for the care you received from so many good people, Michael, for your recovery and your ability to touch human hearts with love and gentle humour. As others here have said, I'm incensed at the way the Tories are treating the NHS and the brilliant people who work there. If only they (Tories) could allow their frozen stoney hearts to be touched and melted by this beautiful film.

[@northernjimpoetry]

Such care and dedication in our NHS. We mustn't lose it. Greater funding and investment needed in our nurses, doctors, ancillary staff and hospitals. Thank you, NHS. JH x

[@katherinepierpoint6209]

I love you Michael.

[@lesleymoore6026]

I listened to you on that programme on Radio 4. I was sat outside my disabled son’s college waiting to pick him up. The discussion terrified me and shortly, March 11 we started to shield. I then followed your story and was overjoyed you survived. As said above I think that you are now a living history of how awful the start of covid was and I think it is vital that we have you to hold this government to account. Thank you.

[@OrangeBananaPear]

A national treasure, Sir Michael Rosen soon no doubt.

[@HarryBoSweets]

I’m so happy that Michael is still with us :)

[@BridgettheBish]

Michael, thank you so much for this. As we'd expect, i5 was moving, poignant, funny and informative. I don’t know why I hadn’t come across it before today, but im glad I have now. My mum went into hospital after a fall, and had a partial hip replacement. Then a patient came onto the ward who turned out to have COVID-19. Mum died 10 days later... I wish I could believe that her death in her 80s meant someone younger lived, but life is mych more senseless than that. Thank you for expressing so many things that so many of us are concerned about, including the incalculable value of the NHS and the inhumanity of "herd immunity. " One thing that kept coming to me... in the USA, what would the bill have been for all that care?! Thank you so much Finding this film is very timely, as the COVID Inquiry begins. Im going to share it as one of my posts about COVID during the Inquiry.

[@karenkline7231]

Plenty of us across the ocean are big fans of Michael Rosen. As a parent and children's librarian, his work has meant a LOT to me. Now I am a mess of emotions, but if anyone can put this pandemic in terms that anyone can appreciate -- it's Mr. Rosen!! Stay well and keep being a bad ass!!

[@MrRossitron]

Inspirational, moving, emotional, fabulously orated. Thank you for doing this this. Just fantastic

[@sallyg1523]

Thank you x

[@wendya6342]

Simply wonderful! So harrowing at first to hear all the staff reports, but so glad I persevered to hear you out. Such an inspiration and tribute to how you came through and to the NHS staff looking after you.

[@caroloneill4302]

Genuinely felt more emotions and had more thoughts than I knew I was capable of feeling whilst watching this. I too am very glad Michael is still with us❤

[@JossCarpreau]

Very grateful that Michael Rosen fought so hard for life, even though he didn't know he was doing it. EVen more grateful for the many, many people who were actually doing the fighting. They knew this was a national treasure they were caring for, and saved him for all our children.

[@Luis_Baruch]

Wonderful man. Such heart.

[@CatherineLove]

This made me cry. I am so glad we still have Michael Rosen in our world and thank all who helped to make that possible. How amazing they are. Every one of them.

[@barbarahulme]

Wonderful Michael. A fantastic amount of information re how great all the NHS staff our, and how much help and support we get and need, in ICU. I was in in 2014 for 4 weeks and also had a tracheotomy, was sedated for mine though and not in a coma. They didnt do the diary thing then. I think this is a brilliant idea to do the diary!! I had PTSD from how poorly I was in ICU and got my observational notes from the hospital to read. Not the same as a diary as couldnt make sense of some of it, but a great help. I think your video will also be of great help to people who have had a stay in ICU - or have to adjust to a new body after illness or accident. as well as being a wonderful tribute to NHS staff and how wonderful they are. They were short staffed when I was there, and I do remember general shouts going out about any nurses who wanted to do any overtime, were very common!. Youve been through a hell of a lot with not only the initial stay in ICU but all the recovery time too! Wishing you improving and sustained good health. And thank you. You're a fantastic person and I really appreciate your insights, your political savvy and your humour and story telling talents! Loving the daily mail line re the blood pressure! lol! Should be prescribed to all us lefties when we are a bit on the low side blood pressure wise :D x

[@SuperibyP]

Absolutely exquisite.

[@PhilipMcLaughlin-bf1nc]

Fantastic. Moving and funny.

[@michaelrosen5422]

Thanks!

[@houseofchange]

Thank you Michael x

[@elgido3207]

Moving and brilliant! An illuminating insight into what we have, and what they want to take away.

[@pamoliver6823]

Beautiful and funny ..just glorious.

[@DaveFamalam]

Thanks for making this film. The diary entries were beautiful in a myriad of ways, I was in tears at several points when considering the direct personal impact Covid had for you, and the millions of others around our world. Thank you again, this was a riveting and highly emotional watch.

[@francisalanbeattie4458]

Everyone a hero.

[@sarahjaneivesane]

So moving, my Mum was in rehab hospital same time as you. You are a real hero to me and I still, have my quick let's get out of here book. So touching

[@carolynwestlake7670]

That was so lovely. Thank you. So glad you made it xx

[@murlostephenson-green5747]

Thank you for this wonderful history, watched and listened to with every emotion possible. Thank heavens you fought so valiantly, and thank YOU for your amazing recovery - you are much loved and truly valued. And immense thanks to the dedicated team who got you through the hellish nightmare. Murlo SG x

[@michaelrosen5422]

Thanks!

[@ellawalsworth-bellmorvoren4467]

Made me laugh out loudly so my family wanted to know what I was watching. Real, heartfelt, a tribute to the nhs (which I am a part of). Thank you Mick.

[@annaspringbear]

This is astonishing. Thank you so much Michael Rosen, the medical workers and everyone who helped put this together. Funny, kind, curious, and so so moving. Thank you.

[@mornaw]

Wow. Fascinating, and so moving. So glad you’re alive, we must support our extraordinary healthcare workers!

[@michaelrosen5422]

Thanks and thanks to all your colleagues.

[@louevans18]

Shocking and so moving xx

[@paulinebetts1379]

Just wonderful, thank you

[@Sammedine]

Watching this back-to-back with his poem "Strict" is a very strange experience.

[@patriciadreamew463]

So brilliant. Thank you for sharing so delicately your brush with death and the beauty you experienced in those hands. I was not hospitalized, but have had Long Covid since March 2020. New body. New brain. New heart. Though not brand new. A different me. You inspire me to see it all anew. ❤️

[@MaryHayesMA]

Brilliant with self awareness in answers

[@IptenT]

So touching. Thank you.

[@joheward8307]

Listening to your story gives me hope that my poor old dad, who lost his fight with covid Jan 2021, had the same love and care whilst he was in hospital. It pains me deeply that I could not see him or be with him at the end. Thank you for sharing your poignant story, and your beautiful words. I loved "Getting Better". Thank you, Michael.

[@walkswithstones1]

Wonderful, thank you Michael. Beautifully put and so true. Humanity at its ordinary best.

[@joward7676]

I am so happy you are still alive and are continuing to do such great endeavours. Yourself as a person. As a truly magnificent marvellous poet, and writer for all ages have brought me such comfort, joy, laughs, solace and inspiration. I thank you you've made this for those who cared for you. Thank you especially at this time so heartbreakingly (I am NHS nurse for 20 years) our most beloved and treasured NHS is in such peril. This will have made a difference to those who cared for you and the nation as a whole. You bring people together. Much love

[@El_Del_TheCartel]

Beautiful and touching x

[@bluesunquake]

Beautiful

[@lorrainekelleway3378]

Moving, funny and heartwarming. Fantastic.

[@michaelrosen5422]

Thanks!

[@karenaldridge7427]

So moving to listen to… eloquent as ever ❤

[@carastrachan8473]

So beautiful and heartbreaking. I loved the book, the insight and experience was really valuable to read as a healthcare worker.

[@iseult73]

Incredibly moving. Smashing.

[@michaelrosen5422]

Thanks!

[@MsRockycat123]

Sublime and exquisitely written and spoken ❤️

[@user-xd1io5nf2y]

This is truly amazing. I caught Covid December 2020. I was put in a coma and woke up weeks later in February 2021. Not sure of the exact date as things happened which I do not remember and I had Delirium so I was not sure what was real or dreamed. I also could not speak due to the hole in my throat. I spent 6 months in hospital/rehab recovering and tried to write down my experiences but it was all too confusing and the brain fog did not help. So sadly I deleted it in frustration. I may try again. One thing is that still have my Sticky McStick - no-one mentioned that I would become reliant on it.

[@juliemark5388]

❤

[@melanieramsay9718]

These are the hands - beautiful. Is this a children's picture book? Invaluable ♥️.

[@stevenpatterson3972]

Beautiful video. Beautiful soul.

[@tipiglen]

Absolutely brilliant

[@bunches66]

This is wonderful. Thank you

[@sophiasmith2670]

The reason my heart is breaking is because I have listened not only to hundreds of tales like this over the past three years, but also to doctors in America who (say they) developed protocols for early treatment, and prevented any of their patients dying or suffering in this way. I know they are supposed to have recently become “corrupt” and have had charges made against them even though before the pandemic they won awards and were lauded for services to humanity. Perhaps I shouldn’t be so gullible as to believe what they say instead of what the authorities say about them. Still, I have seen them crying, heard their stories, and feel instinctively that “something is wrong in the Kingdom of Denmark”. People like me are called nasty names. Assumptions are made about us - such as that we don’t believe covid is real and we believe all vaccines are bad. So I usually keep quiet. But every now and then, I hear another heart breaking story and feel I want to speak again.

[@SmD-ff5xd]

What are these protocols for early treatment? I believe, 99% of people in an ICU have not received early treatment at all, that is why any given condition or ailment(Not just covid) became or has become that bad

[@sophiasmith2670]

The focus was on brand new drugs but the doctors I am speaking of were using re purposed old drugs with a proven safety record. Drugs that would not make any money for a pharmaceutical company. Co incidence?

[@SmD-ff5xd]

@@sophiasmith2670 Oh I think I had heard of that, I'm not too sure and that's a wild rabbit hole I'm happier not going down.😅 Makes no difference, I know big pharma can be pretty scummy. I think it's probably a different situation here in the UK though, I've heard lots of old drugs being used for treatment of covid & symptoms like remdesivir & dexamethosone. Consider how much of a struggle it was for the NHS, I don't think it's in anyone's interest to stop doctors approving & using them, even the tories lol

[@paulcrowther7114]

Has this been broadcast on Radio 4? Either as a one off or serialised in a slot like book of the week? If not, the BBC and its listeners are missing out on a gem.

[@andrewjames6676]

Michael reminds me of another dear man: Rabbi Lionel Blue.