Migrant – Jennifer Maiden

[1949–current, Australian]

In his chintz-cold window seat he
            clings
To cushions, chats of history
(not his) and doesn’t know
Or doesn’t mention, where he’ll go
Tomorrow
But, too tied to sleep, does try
With his little arctic sigh to sing
But conform – tunes won’t stay
            and no
Reasons remain to die.

Source: Maiden, J 1979, The Border Loss, Angus & Robertson, Australia.