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  1. Culture
  2. Poetry
24 February 2021

The NS Poem: Science Fiction

A new poem by George Szirtes.

By George Szirtes

Photo By: Getty

The minister sweats.
There’s nobody in the street
bar some friendly ghosts,

administering
angels, and sundry earthlings.
It’s science fiction

in the suburbs. Now
the aliens have landed
there will be speeches,

fresh flowers, new myths.

George Szirtes is a poet, author and translator. His most recent book is “The Photographer at Sixteen” (MacLehose Press).

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This article appears in the 24 Feb 2021 issue of the New Statesman, Britain unlocks

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com Our Thursday ideas newsletter, delving into philosophy, criticism, and intellectual history. The best way to sign up for The Salvo is via thesalvo.substack.com Stay up to date with NS events, subscription offers & updates. Weekly analysis of the shift to a new economy from the New Statesman's Spotlight on Policy team. The best way to sign up for The Green Transition is via spotlightonpolicy.substack.com
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