Going Underground

Christmas Prayer for three foreign students on the Subway

St George’s Cross? Are you sure?

Are you safe, are you loved?

You must be: your towely socks are newish white,

your rucksacks packed to perfection,

and the silver tinsel on your hats is allowed,

for your brown eyes have no idea

of their own shine: the sassy purity of youth.
 

When you get off, and the train pulls away,

let everyone be kind to you,

let your B&B be without grubbiness

and let the grey, Glasgow wind and rain

fail to dampen you, in these days before Christmas

when you are far from home.