I sit - - -

My book lies open before me

but I am not reading,

enclosed by cushions, I am just lounging

and casually watching a program. -

 

The News - - -

 

Shells bursting - panic - Oh! see how they run - - -

seeking shelter - seeking safety - seeking in vain -

shelling again - -

The cry is "Man Down" - cameras zoom in

then swiftly away,

the scene not suitable for us to see -

not family viewing - not on family T.V.

 

I feel safe - - -

 

it's O.K.

 

These people aren't Us - -  they are They.

These women with infants ripped from their breasts,

these men without limbs,

blooded children dying alone in the dust

are still They.

 

I think ---

 

I am catering for eight,

so I need more wine

and fresh cream for the cake.

Will that be enough? - - - should I get more?

the T.V. is turned off

                          it's becoming a bore.