The Company of lovers
Judith Wright

We meet and part now all over the world;
we, the lost company,
take hands in the night, forget
the night in our brief happiness, silently.
We, who sought many things, throw all away
for this one thing, one only,
remembering that in the narrow grave
we shall be lonely.

Death marshals up his armies round us now.
Their footsteps crowd too near.
Lock your warm hand above the chilling heart
and for a time I live without my fear.
Grope in the night to find me and embrace,
for the dark preludes of the drums begin,
and round us, round the company of lovers,
death draws his cordons in.

What more can anyone say? John Howard has made his war speech. The Blair government has put its resolution to the Security Council. Death marshals up his armies round us now.