The Enemies

Last night they came across the river and

Entered the city. Women were awake

With lights and food. They entertained the band,

Not asking what the men had come to take

Or what strange tongue they spoke

Or why they came so suddenly through the land.

Now in the morning all the town is filled

With stories of the swift and dark invasion;

The women say that not one stranger told

A reason for his coming. The intrusion

Was not for devastation:

Peace is apparent still on hearth and field.

Yet all the city is a haunted place.

Man meeting man speaks cautiously. Old friends

Close up the candid looks upon their face.

There is no warmth in hands accepting hands;

Each ponders, 'Better hide myself in case

Those strangers have set up their homes in minds

I used to walk in. Better draw the blinds

Even if the strangers haunt in my own house'.