of meteorological distress:
an alien bringing hazards
to our lonely grey fortress
Using their strongest words
they scared us with aplomb.
The warnings were flashing red:
‘Monster weather: snow bomb’
Standing in shops and offices
we watched the sky turn black
in a flurry of tumbling flakes.
There was guile in your attack.
You toyed with us
artfully
as the temperature turned cold.You teased us with your shredded clothes –
a lonely death foretold.
We cowered from your fists
but this wedding was no pillage.
That night, you were a charming guest
telling us stories from your village.
We awoke the next morning
still spoiling for a fight.
But, like the Wise Men at Christmas
you had brought us a gift – of light
You plied us with fiery spirits
and colourful winter clothes
we smiled and took selfies
wrapped up like Eskimos.
We exchanged telephone numbers
agreeing to meet next year –
and even to relax our borders.
Take that you Brexiteers!
The following day, your face
had changed to a sullen frown.
An army of ice assaulted us.
You had occupied every town.
Roads and railways were closed.
The whole country was frozen.
Food ran short. We shivered in the dark.
We rued the friend that we had chosen!
