Last Days

Colin Morton 

1.

No one paid much mind at first.
A low murmur amid the hubbub. 

When finally heard
alarms were late. 

How do you stop a chain reaction
or keep calm with a fever? 

 

2.

Many have seen the end of the world
as they knew it. 

Last days before that end
must be special days. 

Those living them must be special too.
We've always known.

  

3.

We do our best to be prepared
half-believe what our senses tell us. 

Know one in the hand
for what it’s worth.

What’s left undone is yet to do
yet we did and did undo some things.

  

4.

We returned home in the waning light
chastened yet braced for new beginnings 

sure we knew the way ahead
and wouldn't make the same mistakes again. 

This was not the moment for doubt.
We were of one mind, never so dangerous.

 

 

 

Ottawa poet Colin Morton has published many books and chapbooks of poetry including award winners The Merzbook: Kurt Scwitters Poems and Coastlines of the Archipelago, as well as stories and reviews, a novel, and an award-winning animated film. He has twice won the Archibald Lampman Award for poetry. www.colinmorton.net