l

when London’s mothers sent

children to be sheltered in a shire

 

while sirens wailed and flood lights

chased planes that dropped

 

bombs that whistled

and muffled cries below.

 

Today there’s no such din.

 

A shadow stalks,

no matter day or night.

 

It’s quiet except for bird-song

and music in my ear as I stroll

 

and people look askance.