My country,
A woman, with hands outstretched,
Her back to the wall--"

"U--um," they nodded,
"She's got a pull,
That old lady."

. . . . . . .

"As for me," the speaker was abrupt,
"I was afraid!
I saw pictures,
I heard things--
I couldn't sleep
For the Beast that was abroad--
Fear!
That's what brought me!"

. . . . . . .

They sat silent for a moment
In the sun.
Then an older man said briefly,
"We were all afraid . . . . .
. . . But what of hate?
Did no one come because of hate?"

. . . . . . .