Even When Words Are Cloth Of Gold

even when words are cloth of gold

cut to the fairytale's sheerest pattern

in a world that shoves these things

down the well

to whom shall bright words be spoken?

progress keeps its own carriages,

its own parks well paved

serviceable

and serviceable

for rolling over well enough

and rolling over again.

but the bright word leaps

in its own fountain

and won't be quenched-

mary angela douglas 17 june 2010