XVI

Good heavens, what a racket!
Midnight, and they expect us to
Put the kettle on?
Ready empty rooms?
Get the ladders?
What is going on?

We steam through the clear air
towards an unseen disaster
picking our way through ice
and churning waters;
all up too early
yes, too fast

and it’s getting colder still
we’re beginning to worry now
What’s wrong with Titanic?

No, maybe I don’t want to
know.

Yes, I’d rather go back to bed.