The smallest of boats:

dinghies, inflatables,

sometimes not much

more than floating,

deflating paddling pools.

We need people to pick

supermarket produce,

work in our hospitals,

keep our country afloat,

yet ringfence the drawbridge.

 

Gangsters exploit hope.

Inflated, red-faced politicians

and pound shop pundits

respond to hate,

puffing and blowing

from the safety

of Commons benches

and TV screens.

 

Lifeboat crews lambasted

on social media for

braving waves, saving lives.

Icy chill of the Channel,

salt water burning

in the throat. Giant

container ships loom

in the dark. The new

Dunkirk spirit?  

Hypothermia of the soul. 

This is not our finest hour.