Ordinance on Arrival
Welcome to you
who have managed to get here
It’s been a terrible trip;
you should be happy you survived it.
Statistics prove that not many do.
You would like a bath, a hot meal,
a good night’s sleep. Some of you
need medical attention.
None of this is available.
These things have always been
in short supply; now
they are impossible to obtain.
…………………………………. This is not
a temporary situation;
it is permanent.
Our condolences on your disappointment.
It is not our responsibility
everything you have heard about this place
is false. It is not our fault
you have been deceived ,
ruined your health getting here.
For reasons beyond our control
there is no vehicle out.
by Naomi Lazard
from Poetry 180
Edited by Billy Collins
Random House, 2003