Lanny

by Max Porter

Peace, my stranger is a tree Growing naturally through all its Discomforts, trials and emergencies Of growth. It is green and resolved It breathes with anguish Yet it releases peace, peace of mind Growth, movement. It walks this greening sweetness Throughout all the earth, Where sky and sun tender its habits As I would yours. Lynette Roberts, ‘Green Madrigal (I)’

There’s a scuffling sound from my office. I find him hurriedly trying to close down my computer. Never has a child looked shiftier in the history of the world.