It used to be the highlight of our year;

Big dipper rides plunged down into a void,

For just one moment blanking out the world,

With all its boredom and unuttered cares.

Among the larks and games and candy floss,

The funfair has a feeling of escape.

At first, war seemed the same: a chance to swap

The daily skin for something bright and new.

So here we are, but no one wants us here,

And given half a chance would gun us down

Or slit our throats without a second’s thought.

I try friendship, but the anger in their eyes

Tells me not to. Above, a big wheel turns,

Deep in the dark night sky, ripe for evil.