For B.M.
Your handmade sign
is stood ready for Friday’s
demonstration against
your distrust in our ways –
My grandfather’s choice
was the Peace Pledge Union –
he then had a quiet war –
his boot on his spade’s shoulder
as he sliced dark soil in England
so claiming a holy conscience –
in that amorphous mass –
who sought God’s thoughts –
No placards – he sent a postcard –
a small weight of words – first class –
to show his sense of disbelief
at such waste by warmongers –
Carry your panel high for a day –
and then again seven days later –
there is no one else to speak out –
ever since God quit your world