By Rose Mary Boehm
They never saw it coming,
and there is no other transport.
Angels in handcuffs,
wings clipped close to the shoulder blades.
Large suitcases left behind at the border
when you have to carry
your children instead
when they’re shooting at you.
As the angels shed tears
you wonder whether
they cry for the children,
paradise lost or their wings.
The shells keep coming
and the borders are closed.
If they are lucky there will be a tent,
at worst they can hide behind
hedges. If I shut me eyes
I’ll not be seen.
Don’t let them come in.
Copyright Boehm 2018
Rose Mary Boehm is a German-born British national living and writing in Lima, Peru, and author of two novels as well as seven poetry collections. Her poetry has been published widely in mostly US poetry reviews (online and print). She was twice nominated for a ‘Pushcart’, once for ‘Best of Net’. Her latest: DO OCEANS HAVE UNDERWATER BORDERS? (Kelsay Books July 2022), WHISTLING IN THE DARK (Cyberwit July 2022), and SAUDADE (December 2022) are available on Amazon. A new MS, LIFE STUFF, has been scheduled by Kelsay Books for February 2023. https://www.rose-mary-boehm-poet.com/
All work by Rose Mary Boehm