The scattered kids of rural Kent
hop from foot to foot down lanes:
hanging heads over bridges
to throw Pooh sticks into babbling brooks.
A mayor drives to a Polish border town
with bags of teddy bears.
The afternoon sun is soft
against the rainbow ribbons
of her homemade princess dress.
Pink unicorn pyjamas turn a violent rose red.
A shop-bought Hermione clutches a catkin wand
and watches shadows stop
at the edge of apple orchards.
Polina, a pink-haired school girl, flees Kyiv
in a black leather jacket and a Harry Potter top.
Mirabelle’s tears are dried
on toilet paper:
grit picked from her graze
The mayor clears his throat over the airwaves
and broadcasts a message to the dads of Ukraine:
We will keep your children safe.
We will keep your children safe.
and magic sweets are promised
from the nearest petrol station.
Photo by Kostiantyn Stupak from Pexels