14 Singing Subway Girl

14. Singing Subway Girl

Sunday silence suddenly shattered by the sirens’ sound

A swift race from chapel to the Metro Underground

Hastening down an escalator where shelter may be found

Walls of concrete tremble as shells pound

Bones shudder bodies shiver and minds reap fear

The priest kneeling prays for the all clear

A scream from above Will an angel of hope appear

A chord is struck on a guitar now the heads turn to hear

The young girl on the platform has removed a glove

To sheltering friends and neighbours she sings of love

Hope now begins to rise Thanks given to Him above

At the entrance to the Metro station there appears a dove

She sings of sweet silver bells that bring cheer

Voices now combine singing out that Christmas is here

A joyous sound as the notes herald a Christian year

Bells ring out above the sounding of the All Clear

Copyright: David Hopcroft December 2006

Please wait in the bomb shelter

Please wait in the bomb shelter for your visa (the phone call)

I’m sorry about the bombs and the shell

Just wanted you to know we wish you well

Though I know it is a bit like living in hell

Thank heavens its quieter where I dwell

If you have internet you can connect

To make your application more direct

You’re battery is dead What did you expect

Don’t worry we really are here to protect

You’re starving Please don’t let it get you down

I know the missiles are hitting your town

Water rising in the basement you might drown

You say your life has been turned upside down

You could call back later if progress has been made

Just keep your spirits up don’t let hope fade

You’ve just lost your husband don’t be afraid

I’ll have to pause now Tea has just been made

It’s your baby I’m sure you understand

We’re making security checks nothing underhand

To make sure we don’t let a terrorist into our land

There will be a delay we’re terribly undermanned

I know you have a little one who needs greater care

But security arrangements are needed to prevent a scare

After all a terrorist could arrive from anywhere

I know he’s only two years old but …

I’m sorry was that an explosion?

We seem to have lost the connection

David Hopcroft March 2022