A missile roasts in the heat,
sits lodged on the flat roof 
of a house. Inside empty chairs 
surround a long family table. Upstairs 
the bedroom is quiet. A doll sleeps 
tucked up in bed, thick dust settles. 
Outside guns fire, rockets volley and 
puncture sky, leaving tails of smoke.

Somewhere else chestnuts roast in fire, 
crack and snap. Chairs are occupied 
with Grannies and Granddads that 
have lovely laps for sitting on. Upstairs 
a little child, tucked up in bed, dozes off, 
animated mother continues to read. 
Outside the pregnant moon shines, stars 
glitter, night becomes quiet in sleep.

© taidgh lynch

Day 3 | 21 September 2011