When Mikhail says we’re making ready
That flags upon the charts are being laid
And our leaders posture, rhetoric unsteady
Should we listen to what Gorbachev has said
Should we listen to experienced survivors
To the experts who seek evidence and proof
To academics, historians and scientists
Who study past and future for the truth
Should we listen when the charities are groaning
Under siege to manage shelter, food
While governments can always conjure money
To weaponise our world for some vague good
When the friend within is demeaned and benighted
And tolerance is seen as enemy
When hatred escalates and is encouraged
Should we listen to what others maybe see
Should we listen to ourselves when twinges niggle
And reason urges calm and look again
Or should we just do nothing and make ready
To pursue a path that leads to greater pain
When the meanwhiles of the nations are unfolding
When the jigsaw picture’s starting to make sense
Should we listen, listen closely and decide to
Build no more walls and get down off our fence
When ex-leader of the ‘enemy’ proclaims it
Is it bluff and stuff to shrug off and ignore
Should we dismiss his words as fake and propaganda
Or should we listen like we never have before
scottishmomus 