murderers are coming
can it be true?
when are they due?

should we drop everything?
wipe the floor?
stand back in awe?

should we put on a show?
the kids are in bed,
the carpet is red

what have we done?
they say they’ll protect us
—who’s going to object?

should we change the sheets?
make it nice?
put the champagne on ice?

who’s going to speak?
should we make a toast?
enlist the Holy Ghost?

what do they want?
should we sign a deal?
ask them how it feels?

they’re coming through the gate
—what shall we call them?
our very good friends?