We ar gowin on hollyday

Curtains

are pulled closed

then open

then closed again

as the security debate

sways back and forth.

Lights on timed switches

are plotted

for random hours

during each evening

and after dawn.

An occupied air,

a lived-in look is

carefully cultivated,

saying 
- we are 
here and we will always be 
here so do no think of entering 
here for we are 
here -

and neighbours

are informed who reassure

with their promised vigilance.

And as the final bolt is slid

and window locked

the daughter on the pavement,

the one dancing in and out of the car

while waiting for the parental juggernaut,

feeling the release 

from the anticipation of

these past weeks,

in her exuberance

finds her bold chalk

and in newly learned letters
writes her message

all along the garden wall.