A poem for the month

Selected and introduction by JULIE NORD

British poet Elizabeth Jennings published more  than 30 books, many of which are still widely available. She was awarded the Order of the British Empire. Struggles with mental health handicapped her in life and in public perception, but her work has remained highly respected.

“The Enemies” combines storytelling with straightforward language and a tone of mystery. We can assume the poem refers to invasions and occupations of World Wars I and II. Yet the questions it raises are strikingly pertinent to us, in our own place and time: When strangers arrive, what do they want? Peaceful integration and hospitality? Or do they mean to change us? How are we to understand them and their strange language?

‘The Enemies’

By Elizabeth Jennings 

Last night they came across the river and

Entered the city. Women were awake

With lights and food. They entertained the band,

Not asking what the men had come to take

Or what strange tongue they spoke

Or why they came so suddenly through the land.

Now in the morning all the town is filled

With stories of the swift and dark invasion;

The women say that not one stranger told

A reason for his coming. The intrusion

Was not for devastation:

Peace is apparent still on hearth and field.

Yet all the city is a haunted place.

Man meeting man speaks cautiously. Old friends

Close up the candid looks upon their face.

There is no warmth in hands accepting hands;

Each ponders, “Better hide myself in case

Those strangers have set up their homes in minds

I used to walk in. Better draw the blinds

Even if the strangers haunt in my own house."

Julie Nord is an editor and poet. She has served on the board of the Katonah Poetry Series and lives in Croton-on-Hudson. “The Enemies” is in the public domain.