Who dares incite this gathering of doubts
when the fear is that such an assembly
will be dispersed in a confusion of
rifle butts and tramping boots, those
other thoughts, drilled to maintain order.

At two in the morning it comes,
like a bursting of windows and doors.
Drained with your own excuses,
you have tried all possible postures
all pleas, all defences, and in your exhaustion

at last you pick up your pen.