In A Swan Boat While Plum Blossoms Fall

in a swan boat

on a children's pond

I saw the flowers falling.

they were like stars.

petals of plum white

scattered like the heart

of all fragrance

they are landing on me

it means I am queen of the flowers

maybe it feels that way

and Grandfather is on shore.

while I, in a swan boat,

such a small I, am

drifting on childhood's waters

as in the dark green mirror

underneath it all the

rippling raindrops fall

and can I catch their silver

if I try I try to wonder but

I don't know why

in a swan boat I am drifting farther out

and Grandfather waves to me-

I am drifting farther out

then if I were at sea...

mary angela douglas 27 October 2013