In the short poem “Xeno,” there is a sharp exploration of the country’s lack of national consciousness and cohesion. What is prevalent is ethnic rivalry and bloodletting as seen in the line: “For even in my neighbourhood my wounds grow deeper in my brother’s hand” (4). The situation is seen as a war without end as the persona asks his mother to buy him “catapult” in place of “tangerine.” Consequently, the persona is doomed as he loses the comfort of a peaceful home/nation.