They are hostile nations

written by


« Reload image

i

In view of the fading animals
the proliferation of sewers and fears 
the sea clogging, the air
nearing extinction

we should be kind, we should
take warning, we should forgive each other

Instead we are opposite, we 
touch as though attacking,

the gifts we bring
even in good faith maybe 
warp in our hands to
implements, to manoeuvres

ii

Put down the target of me
you guard inside your binoculars, 
in turn I will surrender

this aerial photograph 
(your vulnerable
sections marked in red) 
I have found so useful

See, we are alone in
the dormant field, the snow
that cannot be eaten or captured

iii

Here there are no armies 
here there is no money

It is cold and getting colder,

We need each others’
breathing, warmth, surviving 
is the only war
we can afford, stay

walking with me, there is almost 
time / if we can only 
make it as far as

the (possibly) last summer

© Margaret Atwood