In my Poetry Notebook...

Artist Unknown

COCOON
by Simon Armitage


Where did the world go?
Once round the sun then landed us right here
Back where we started from
Conquistadors of the high street and malls
Bold explorers of swimming baths and service stations
And superstores. Pioneers of the new world
Which is the old world wearing a nervous smile
Think of your hand or arm brushing actual skin
Imagine breathing a stranger in
First contact, close encounters
A butterfly yawns and hoists its new born wings
To the full blown dawn
Once round the sun then the doors open and
Touch wood, cross fingers, cue fanfare
Out we come.